The Senate Finance Committee held a hearing on anti-poverty programs, looking specifically at Temporary Assistance for Needy Families or TANF. That program expires on September 30. It’s a block grant to states that replaced direct federal aid to those on welfare. Witnesses included Ron Haskins of the Brookings Institution, who helped bring the program into existence as a House Republican Staff Director.
Recent census data show that nearly 1 In 7 Americans are living below the poverty line.