To modify the measure and use of the poverty line issued by the Secretary of Health and Human Services to more accurately account for the basic needs of families and regional costs of living.

2/4/2025, 4:54 PM
Referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Bill 119 HR 702 aims to adjust the way the poverty line is calculated by the Secretary of Health and Human Services in order to better reflect the basic needs of families and the varying costs of living across different regions in the United States. The current poverty line, which is used to determine eligibility for various government assistance programs, has been criticized for not accurately capturing the true financial struggles faced by many families.

The proposed legislation seeks to take into account factors such as housing costs, childcare expenses, and other basic necessities that can vary significantly depending on where a family lives. By updating the poverty line to more accurately reflect these costs, supporters of the bill argue that it will help ensure that government assistance programs are reaching those who truly need them.

Critics of the bill, however, have raised concerns about the potential impact on government spending and the overall effectiveness of anti-poverty programs. They argue that changing the way the poverty line is calculated could result in more people becoming eligible for assistance, leading to increased costs for the government. Overall, Bill 119 HR 702 represents an effort to address the shortcomings of the current poverty measure and provide a more accurate reflection of the financial challenges faced by families in different regions of the country. The debate surrounding the bill highlights the complex and contentious nature of addressing poverty and inequality in the United States.
Congress
119

Number
HR - 702

Introduced on
2025-01-23

# Amendments
0

Sponsors
+5

Status of Legislation

Bill Introduced
Introduced to House
House to Vote
Introduced to Senate
Senate to Vote

Purpose and Summary

Referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Bill 119 HR 702 aims to adjust the way the poverty line is calculated by the Secretary of Health and Human Services in order to better reflect the basic needs of families and the varying costs of living across different regions in the United States. The current poverty line, which is used to determine eligibility for various government assistance programs, has been criticized for not accurately capturing the true financial struggles faced by many families.

The proposed legislation seeks to take into account factors such as housing costs, childcare expenses, and other basic necessities that can vary significantly depending on where a family lives. By updating the poverty line to more accurately reflect these costs, supporters of the bill argue that it will help ensure that government assistance programs are reaching those who truly need them.

Critics of the bill, however, have raised concerns about the potential impact on government spending and the overall effectiveness of anti-poverty programs. They argue that changing the way the poverty line is calculated could result in more people becoming eligible for assistance, leading to increased costs for the government. Overall, Bill 119 HR 702 represents an effort to address the shortcomings of the current poverty measure and provide a more accurate reflection of the financial challenges faced by families in different regions of the country. The debate surrounding the bill highlights the complex and contentious nature of addressing poverty and inequality in the United States.
Alternative Names
Official Title as IntroducedTo modify the measure and use of the poverty line issued by the Secretary of Health and Human Services to more accurately account for the basic needs of families and regional costs of living.

Comments

Recent Activity

Latest Action1/23/2025
Referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdic...