US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US Federal House Bill HB878

Introduced
1/31/25  

Caption

Katrina and Leslie Schaller ActThis bill extends the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program to include Guam. (SSI is a federal assistance program designed to help aged, blind, and disabled individuals with limited income and resources meet their basic needs. Guam has been excluded from SSI since Congress created the program in 1972.)Under the bill, the Social Security Administration may waive or modify statutory requirements relating to the provision of SSI benefits as necessary to adapt the program to the needs of Guam.The bill also eliminates an existing cap on payments to Guam under SSI, the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, and other assistance programs.   

Impact

If enacted, HB878 would impact federal law by formally including Guam within the provisions of the SSI program. This would allow eligible individuals in Guam to receive monthly benefits, thus broadening the safety net for vulnerable populations. Additionally, it would remove existing statutory barriers that currently hinder the distribution of SSI payments in Guam. The implementation of this bill could lead to a substantial influx of federal funds into the territory, providing critical financial support for residents who rely on these benefits for basic needs such as housing, food, and healthcare.

Summary

House Bill 878, known as the 'Katrina and Leslie Schaller Act', seeks to extend the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program to Guam. Currently, residents of Guam do not have access to this essential federal welfare program, which provides financial assistance for individuals with disabilities or low income. The bill proposes amendments to the Social Security Act that would incorporate Guam into the definition of 'state' regarding SSI eligibility and eliminate certain limitations on total payments to the territory. This change aims to ensure that the inhabitants of Guam can benefit from the same federal support that citizens in the 50 states receive, which could significantly improve the quality of life for many individuals on the island.

Contention

Despite the evident benefits of extending SSI to Guam, there may be points of contention surrounding the bill. Proponents argue that extending these benefits is a moral and economic imperative that recognizes the needs of residents in U.S. territories. Conversely, opponents might raise concerns about the potential financial implications for federal budgets, particularly if the cost of extending these benefits results in increased expenditure. Furthermore, discussions may focus on whether Guam has the necessary infrastructure to effectively administer the program without excessive burden to local officials. Overall, while support for the bill is likely to be wide, the details of implementation and funding could spark debate.

Congress_id

119-HR-878

Policy_area

Social Welfare

Introduced_date

2025-01-31

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HB728

Expanding Head Start Eligibility Act of 2025This bill expands eligibility for Head Start programs to include the children of families eligible for specified public assistance programs. Specifically, the bill expands Head Start eligibility to include the children of families that qualify for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR), and federal housing assistance (commonly known as Section 8). The bill also provides statutory authority for the eligibility of families that qualify for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Families that qualify for state-funded food assistance programs with eligibility standards identical or substantially similar to the standards for SNAP must also be eligible for Head Start. 

US SB73

Eliminating the Marriage Penalty in SSI Act or EMPSAThis bill excludes a spouse's income and resources when determining eligibility for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and disregards marital status when calculating the SSI benefit amount, for an adult who has a diagnosed intellectual or developmental disability. (SSI is a federal income supplement program designed to help aged, blind, and disabled individuals with limited income and resources meet basic needs.)

US HSB696

A bill for an act relating to the supplemental nutrition assistance program, the medical assistance program, and other public assistance programs under the purview of the department of health and human services.(See HF 2716.)

US HF2716

A bill for an act relating to the supplemental nutrition assistance program; the medical assistance program; the special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and children; and other public assistance programs under the purview of the department of health and human services. (Formerly HSB 696.)

US HB2958

Relating to the drug testing of certain persons seeking benefits under the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program.

US SB62

America First ActThis bill limits the eligibility of certain non-U.S. nationals (aliens under federal law) for various federal benefits and grants, makes permanent the child tax credit increase, and requires individuals to provide evidence of satisfactory immigration status prior to receiving specified benefits.The bill prohibits asylees, parolees, and individuals withheld from removal from receiving certain federal benefits, including Medicaid, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP), and Supplemental Security Income. The bill further restricts on the basis of immigration status benefits under federal health programs such as Medicare, emergency disaster relief, housing assistance, food assistance, early childhood assistance, student aid, and Community Development Block Grants.The bill also makes permanent the increase in the child tax credit set to expire at the end of 2025. In addition, this tax credit and the earned income tax credit are not available to asylees, parolees, individuals granted temporary protected status, individuals withheld from removal, individuals granted deferred action for childhood arrivals (DACA) status, and non-U.S. nationals with employment-based immigrant visas.Federal aid is reduced for elementary and secondary education by 50% annually to jurisdictions that do not assist federal immigration enforcement actions (deemed sanctuary jurisdictions under the bill).The bill also removes statutory exemptions for Haitian entrants that allows such entrants to receive various aid.Certain benefits are prohibited, including Medicaid and SNAP, until an applicant’s satisfactory immigration status is proved.The bill prohibits tax-exempt 501(c)(3) charitable organizations from using federal funds to support certain non-U.S. nationals.

US SSB3140

A bill for an act relating to the supplemental nutrition assistance program, the medical assistance program, the Iowa health and wellness plan, and other programs under the purview of the department of health and human services and including effective date provisions.(See SF 2422.)

US HF225

A bill for an act relating to the personal needs allowance under the medical assistance program.

US HB4422

Poor persons; Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program; Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program; SAVE program; notification; Attorney General; effective date.

US SF476

A bill for an act relating to the personal needs allowance under the medical assistance program.(Formerly SF 255.)

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.