Springfield Standard

Congressman Eric Burlison has introduced the Ending the Cycle of Dependency Act of 2025, aimed at reforming the welfare system in the United States. The proposed legislation seeks to encourage able-bodied individuals to reenter the workforce.

"The best anti-poverty program is a job," said Rep. Burlison. "For too long, millions of able-bodied adults have been trapped in a cycle of government dependency with no incentive to work. Hardworking taxpayers should not be forced to subsidize benefits for those who are fully capable of providing for themselves."

The bill proposes several changes, including expanding work requirements for parents on food stamps whose children are over six years old and raising the exemption age from 50 to 60. It also aims to eliminate state loopholes that allow waivers for work requirements, ensuring uniform standards for all able-bodied Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients.

Additionally, the legislation would codify work requirements for able-bodied Medicaid recipients aged 18-59 without children under six. The intention behind these measures is to reinforce work as a means to achieve self-sufficiency.

The act is projected to save taxpayers approximately $430 billion over the next ten years by reducing reliance on government assistance and strengthening the American workforce.