Proponents say the bill is designed to cut waste, but it disregards the economic reality of being a low-income American.

The trap is so common it has a name: house poor. The common definition of house poor is having a mortgage or rent payment that is too high relative to one’s income, cash flow or net worth.

Upon his return to the House Appropriations Committee after an 18-year hiatus, Rep. James E. Clyburn, D-S.C., has one central focus: fighting poverty in rural counties. It’s been a longtime ...