The resolution urges the President and Congress to enact the Poverty Line Act of 2023, which aims to reform the federal poverty guidelines used to determine eligibility for various state and federal assistance programs. Currently, these guidelines are based on outdated calculations from the 1960s that do not accurately reflect the modern costs of living, such as housing, utilities, and healthcare. This has resulted in millions of families being classified as above the poverty line, despite struggling to meet their basic needs, thereby limiting their access to essential safety net programs.

The proposed changes in the Poverty Line Act of 2023 would adjust the federal poverty level calculations to account for real costs and regional differences, potentially making millions more families eligible for critical support programs like Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Additionally, the bill includes provisions for a review of the new methodology every four years to ensure it remains relevant to current household needs. The resolution emphasizes that enacting this act would better reflect the financial distress faced by many American families and enhance their access to vital government benefits, ultimately promoting economic mobility.