When AFDC (Aid to Families with Dependent Children) became TANF (Temporary Aid to Needy Families) the federal government put many mandates into the program that the states had to put into place if they wanted to receive the money. For instance, TANF introduced a 5-year lifetime limit on the receipt of TANF benefits. Many states did not like having to change the way they provided the benefits in their area. However, if they did not follow the rules of the new program, they did not receive the money. So there was some friction between the states and the federal government.
Paine describes those who would reconcile with Great Britain as cowards and suck-ups. He doesn't agree with their ideas and thinks they're doing it just because it's convenient.
