President Trump seeks to reorganize Department of Health and Human Services
The move would give HHS a new name, potentially including the word welfare, and consolidate safety-net programs such as food stamps, report says.
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President Donald Trump is seeking to rename the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to include the word "welfare" in the title and to move food stamp and nutritional programs from the USDA into the agency, Politico has reported.
A change such as this usually requires Congressional approval.
The White House Office of Management and Budget is expected to release the consolidation of programs later this month, according to the report.
HHS includes entitlement and programs for lower-income Americans such as Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP, and the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, while the $70 billion Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program makes up the majority of the USDA's budget.
Trump, in his executive order last year, directed OMB to overhaul the government to make it more efficient, the report said.
In numerous reports, conservative think tank The Heritage Foundation said Congress should separate food stamps from agricultural programs and has recommended that all nutrition programs at USDA be transferred to HHS.
Under the Trump Administration, HHS has allowed states to get waivers that mandate work requirements for able-bodied adults to receive Medicaid benefits. The waiver has been approved in four states.
Twitter: @SusanJMorse
Email the writer: susan.morse@himssmedia.com
