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In the wake of the 20th anniversary of the landmark bipartisan welfare reform, Tom Reed renewed calls for bipartisan efforts to reduce poverty.

"We care about those struggling in poverty. As the youngest of 12, being raised by a single mom, we know how difficult those challenges can be," said Reed. "That's why it's only right that we come together with our partners across the aisle to make efforts to develop lasting reforms that elevate people out of poverty, and not trap them in a downward cycle."

The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Act was signed into law by then President Bill Clinton, who worked with a Republican majority in Congress. The proposal offered a slew of welfare reforms, including implementing Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) program which provides cash assistance to those in need while also instituting work requirements for those receiving public assistance benefits. The requirement notably encouraged workforce participation and is often credited with reconnecting the long term unemployed to the labor force.

"This is an issue where we can develop a lot of common ground. We have seen it in the past and I'm confident we can do it again. We all want to help create the best possible opportunities for our fellow American citizens, and encourage a hand up, not a hand out," said Reed.

Reed went on to highlight the House Republican efforts, such as A Better Way plan, which includes a platform to fight poverty by encouraging work and measuring these programs not by how much money is spent, but by positive outcomes from the funding. The plan also puts an emphasis on skills development and job training. Finally, the plan aims to reduce fraud, waste and abuse, and streamlines bureaucracy to break down artificial barriers that prevent those in need from getting access to benefits.

"The best thing we can do is stand by the American work ethic. If we encourage work, and help people get the skills they need to succeed so they can have the dignity that comes from an honest living, we are going to change lives for the better, permanently. There are situations in life that can bring us to our knees, but together we can help each other get back on our feet," Reed concluded.

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