Work and Welfare Subcommittee Hearing on Strengthening the Child Support Enforcement Program

The Ways and Means Committee Republicans' Work and Welfare Subcommittee held a hearing on January 22, 2026, focused on strengthening and modernizing the federal Child Support Enforcement Program. Witnesses discussed the program's evolution since its inception in 1975 and major reforms in 1996, highlighting its role in promoting family stability and economic self-sufficiency by ensuring child support payments. Key procurement-related topics included proposals to update enforcement tools to address challenges posed by gig and remote work, modernization of state case management systems, and the need for increased funding to support technology upgrades and performance-based incentives. The hearing also addressed policy reforms such as ending states' retention of child support payments for families receiving TANF benefits, improving pass-through policies to ensure payments reach families, and expanding access and visitation grants. Several witnesses emphasized the importance of federal support for state modernization efforts and workforce integration programs to improve child support compliance. No specific contract awards or vendor selections were discussed, but the conversation underscored the need for investment in technology and programmatic enhancements to improve efficiency and outcomes.