Answer:
The reauthorization of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families block grant — often called welfare reform — is now over two years late. The original law expired in September 2002, but Congress has extended it on a short term basis a number of times, most recently through the end of March 2005.
My assignment today is to review the current debate over welfare reauthorization and speculate about the prospects for legislation and related spending decisions in the coming year.
But, this debate over welfare will be just the first of many times in the coming months and years that members of Congress will be called upon to defend the integrity and legitimacy of federally funded work-supports and poverty reduction services.