Don’t just freeze federal assistance to fight fraud — fix the program
The Hill
by Parth Patel, opinion contributor February 26, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, established under President Clinton in 1996 with the ambitious goal of "ending welfare as we know it." However, three decades later, it is clear that TANF has failed to meet its promises, simply replacing one flawed system with another. The program was designed to reduce dependency on welfare by emphasizing work and time-limits for benefits, but critics argue that it has instead created new challenges, including high fraud rates and inadequate support systems for recipients.
The TANF program was intended to reform the outdated Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) system, which had been criticized for fostering long-term dependency. Instead of fixing these issues, TANF introduced a series of problems that have persisted over the years. For instance, many recipients struggle to find stable jobs due to limited job training and lack of access to essential services like childcare or transportation. Additionally, the program’s strict eligibility criteria often leave vulnerable populations, such as single parents and individuals with disabilities, without adequate support.
The article highlights the growing concern among policymakers and advocates about the effectiveness of TANF in addressing poverty and inequality. While some argue for freezing federal assistance to reduce fraud, others emphasize the need for systemic reforms. Prop
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Originally published on The Hill on 2/26/2026