hold on there's just too much going on in Congress lmao...
Prohibits public assistance recipients from international wire transfers.
Rep. Feenstra (R-IA) and Rep. Hunt (R-TX) introduced.
In committee, no House vote yet.
This bill aims to prevent individuals who receive government public assistance from sending money out of the United States using international wire transfers. It also requires companies offering wire transfer services to ask customers if they receive public assistance before processing transfers. The bill was introduced by Representatives Feenstra (R-IA) and Hunt (R-TX) and sent to the House Committee on Financial Services, where it awaits review.
Introduced Jan 15, 2026
The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on January 15, 2026, and immediately referred to the House Committee on Financial Services. For it to become law, the committee must first approve it, then it needs to pass a vote in the full House, then pass the Senate, and finally be signed by the President.
If this bill becomes law, individuals receiving any form of means-tested public assistance or welfare benefits would be legally barred from sending money internationally via wire transfer. Additionally, companies providing international wire transfer services would be required to implement a system to inquire about a customer's public assistance status before completing a transaction. This means providers would need to establish new procedures to comply with this requirement.
Supporters Say
Supporters would argue this bill ensures taxpayer dollars meant for assistance stay within the U.S. economy.
Critics Say
Critics might argue it restricts personal financial freedom for those who need to support family abroad.
Those in favor would likely emphasize fiscal responsibility, asserting that public funds should not indirectly support individuals or entities outside the country. Opponents might raise concerns about the privacy implications of requiring wire transfer providers to collect information on public assistance status, as well as the fairness of restricting how beneficiaries can use their assistance for legitimate purposes, such as supporting family members abroad.