In December, the Food and Nutrition Service announced a new rule that has the potential to help move millions of able-bodied Americans from welfare to work. The rule cracks down on the waiver abuse that has allowed states to avoid work requirements for childless, able-bodied adults on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as food stamps.

In other words, the rule directs states to take advantage of the strong economy and harness work to lift people out of government dependency.