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

Summary of Bill HR 702

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.

Current Status of Bill HR 702

Bill HR 702 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since January 23, 2025. Bill HR 702 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the House on January 23, 2025.  Bill HR 702's most recent activity was 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. as of January 23, 2025

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 702

Total Number of Sponsors
3
Democrat Sponsors
3
Republican Sponsors
0
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
0
Democrat Cosponsors
0
Republican Cosponsors
0
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 702

Primary Policy Focus

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 702

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.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.
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Comments

Sponsors and Cosponsors of HR 702

R
Mikie Sherrill
New Jersey(Democrat)

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