The resolution urges the federal government to raise the federal poverty line for public assistance programs, highlighting that the current measurement, established in the 1960s, is outdated and only accounts for basic food costs. It fails to consider the significant increases in living expenses such as housing, transportation, child care, and health care over the past sixty years. As a result, while approximately 53 million households struggle to afford basic necessities, only 37.9 million are officially recognized as living in poverty, limiting access to essential public assistance programs like Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Program.

The resolution points out that the existing poverty threshold creates barriers for individuals and families who are unable to access necessary social welfare due to stringent eligibility requirements. The COVID-19 pandemic and rising inflation have exacerbated the financial challenges faced by many Americans, while recent minimum wage increases have inadvertently led to a "benefits cliff," disincentivizing low-wage earners from working more hours. By advocating for an increase in the federal poverty line, the resolution aims to ensure that more individuals and households can receive the support they need, thereby providing a more accurate representation of poverty in the United States.