This bill establishes a bipartisan commission to review federal means-tested programs like Medicaid, SNAP, and TANF for potential reform. Social Security, Medicare, and veterans benefits are excluded. The commission will evaluate consolidation, state delegation, and gradual benefit reductions tied to income increases. It must consider allowing caseworkers to identify all appropriate programs for individuals. The 8-member commission has a public input website and must report proposed legislation that Congress considers under expedited procedures.
Latest Action
Referred to the Subcommittee on Nutrition and Foreign Agriculture.
AI Summary
Plain-English explanation of this bill
This bill establishes a bipartisan commission to review federal means-tested programs like Medicaid, SNAP, and TANF for potential reform. Social Security, Medicare, and veterans benefits are excluded. The commission will evaluate consolidation, state delegation, and gradual benefit reductions tied to income increases. It must consider allowing caseworkers to identify all appropriate programs for individuals. The 8-member commission has a public input website and must report proposed legislation that Congress considers under expedited procedures.
Last updated: 1/4/2026
Official Summary
Congressional Research Service summary
<p><strong>People-Centered Assistance Reform Effort Act or the People CARE Act</strong></p><p>This bill establishes the People-Centered Assistance Reform Effort Commission within the legislative branch to review federal means-tested programs for potential reform.</p><p>Under the bill, means-tested programs are those designed to provide assistance to low-income individuals, including, for example, Medicaid, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. The commission is generally directed to review all federal means-tested programs with the exception of certain specified programs, including Social Security, Medicare, and certain veterans’ benefits programs.</p><p>The commission is directed to identify and evaluate potential changes to federal means-tested programs, such as consolidation with other programs, delegation of certain functions to states, and the establishment of gradual benefit reductions tied to increases in beneficiaries’ income. The commission is also directed to consider changes that would allow caseworkers to identify all of the appropriate programs for individuals and families. The commission must establish a website through which members of the public may submit suggested reforms for consideration. </p><p>The commission is to be comprised of eight members, with an equal number of members appointed by the majority and minority parties. </p><p>At the conclusion of its term, the commission must report to Congress with its findings and proposed legislation implementing any recommended changes. Congress must consider the legislation under expedited procedures.</p>
Key Points
Main provisions of the bill
Creates bipartisan commission to review means-tested programs
Excludes Social Security, Medicare, and veterans benefits
Evaluates consolidation and gradual benefit reduction options
Requires public input website for reform suggestions
For program beneficiaries: Potential changes to safety net programs. For states: Possible new responsibilities for delegated functions. For caseworkers: Reformed processes for identifying benefits. For taxpayers: Evaluation of program efficiency. For Congress: Expedited consideration of commission recommendations.
Policy Areas
Primary Policy Area
Social Welfare
Related Subjects
Adoption and foster care
Adult day care
Advisory bodies
Aging
Child care and development
Child health
Congressional operations and organization
Economic development
Education of the disadvantaged
Education programs funding
+9 more
Scope & Jurisdiction
Jurisdiction Level
federal
Congressional Session
119th Congress
Citation Reference
150, 119th Congress (2025). "People CARE Act". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-hr-150
