Senator Ernst, Senator Markey, and members of the Committee, thank you for the opportunity to submit this statement for the record regarding the critical economic and social friction point of federal benefits cliffs.

I. Introduction: The Aspirational Intent of Welfare vs. The Status Quo

America’s long-running war on poverty was originally conceptualized around the goal of work-based independence. The social welfare system was intended to provide needed, temporary stabilization alongside skill development and work experiences while actively assisting individuals as they move back into stable employment and long-term self-reliance. However, our national policy framework has yet to fully live up to this foundational purpose. Today’s safety net too often does not help struggling people build the personal and professional capacity to achieve independence. This shortcoming not only limits the capacity of American families to achieve work-based independence, it also constrains our nation’s economy by adding to workforce challenges employers face.

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