Republicans Focus on Social Safety Net After Welfare Reform

Thirty years have passed since President Bill Clinton made a pivotal decision by signing the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996. This legislation marked a significant change in U.S. welfare policy. It ended the federal government’s longstanding support for income assistance aimed at women and children in poverty.

The reform dismantled Aid to Families with Dependent Children, a program that President Franklin D. Roosevelt originally established in 1935. It introduced a new approach, based on block grants, time limits, and mandatory work requirements for recipients.

More recently, Republican lawmakers have shifted their focus to other elements of the social safety net. The move reflects a broader interest in reshaping policies that affect millions of Americans relying on government assistance.