Washington, DC – Today, Committee on Ways and Means Chairman Dave Camp (R-MI) announced the release of the 2012 version of the Ways and Means Green Book, which is officially titled “Background Material and Data on the Programs within the Jurisdiction of the Committee on Ways and Means.”  This document, prepared by the Congressional Research Service (CRS) under the direction of the staff of the Committee on Ways and Means, has served as an important reference for legislators, program administrators, researchers, and the public since it was first published in 1981.

“I am pleased to announce the release of the 2012 Ways and Means Green Book.  This edition reflects significant changes to the Unemployment Insurance and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families programs following the enactment of the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012.  I am also pleased that the Committee is now able to issue this publication on a more frequent basis and therefore provide policymakers, researchers, and the public with timelier information.  I would like to thank all the hardworking individuals at the Congressional Research Service who contributed to this latest version of the Green Book, as well as the Committee and Congressional staff who have spent many hours making it available to the public.”

The Green Book combines a description of key health, welfare, retirement, and related programs under the jurisdiction of the Committee on Ways and Means with current data on these programs, the populations they serve, and relevant historical information.  It also contains data and discussion on cross-cutting matters of interest to the Committee, including federal policy affecting low-income households, noncitizen eligibility for federal benefit programs, and social welfare programs in the U.S. territories.

This latest version of the Green Book, consistent with recent practice, is available only electronically.  Similar to the 2011 Green Book, the 2012 Green Book uses CRS reports made available specifically for this purpose, as well as the continuation of certain charts, graphs and tables that users of prior Green Books have found especially useful.  This revised format allows the Green Book to be more timely and available on a more frequent basis, significantly increasing its utility for readers.  In addition, the 2012 Green Book includes improved functionality compared to the 2011 version.  Readers accessing the 2012 Green Book on the Ways and Means website will also be able to readily access electronic versions of the 1996, 1998, 2000, 2004, 2008 and 2011 editions of the Green Book.

The 2012 Green Book may be accessed here.