1、Congressional Research Service The Library of CongressCRS Report for CongressReceived through the CRS WebOrder Code 97-86 EPWUpdated September 28, 2004Indian Tribes and Welfare Reform-name redacted-Domestic Social Policy DivisionSummaryThe 1996 welfare law (P.L. 104-193) gives federally recognized I
2、ndian tribes(defined to include certain Alaska Native organizations) the option to design and operatetheir own cash welfare programs for needy children with funds subtracted from theirstates block grant for Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF). As ofSeptember 15, 2004, 45 tribal TANF plans
3、were in operation in 16 states. Their annualrate of federal funding totaled $134.2 million. The 1996 law also appropriated $7.6million annually for work and training activities to tribes in 24 states that operated a pre-TANF work and training program (now named Native Employment Works NEW),authorize
4、d direct federal funding to Indian tribes for operation of child supportenforcement programs, and set aside a share of child care funds for them. The originalTANF law was scheduled to expire September 30, 2002, but Congress extendedfunding through several laws, most recently through September 30, 20