<prompt> Translate the following text to EnglishMwaka 1996, Bunge lililoongozwa na Republican liliwakataza wanasheria wanaopokea fedha za shirikisho - msingi wa karibu ofisi zote za sheria za umaskini - kushiriki katika kesi za hatua za kikundi na masuala yanayohusisha utoaji mimba, uhamiaji haramu au changamoto za kupunguzwa kwa faida za ustawi zilizozinduliwa na Rais Clinton na wengine.  <response>: In 1996, a Republican-controlled Congress prohibited lawyers receiving federal funding - the mainstay of nearly all poverty law offices - from engaging in class-action lawsuits and matters involving abortion, illegal immigration or challenges to reduced welfare benefits inaugurated by President Clinton and some other Democrats. 