Senate Agriculture Committee Holds a Hearing on School Breakfast and Lunch Programs

This week the Senate Agriculture Committee held a hearing on school nutrition programs. During the hearing, senators agreed on the importance of school nutrition programs and the need to improve them. Republicans focused on providing program flexibility, especially for rural areas, and prioritizing domestically produced foods. Democrats asked the witnesses about the stigma associated with free meal programs and the quality of food provided through school nutrition programs. A recording of the hearing can be found here.

Appropriations Update

On Wednesday, the House Republicans’ government six-month funding plan failed on the House floor. Also included in the bill was a measure to require proof of citizenship to register to vote in federal elections. The bill failed on a 202-220 vote, with three Democrats voting in support and 14 Republicans voting against the bill. House Republicans are now considering a plan that would fund the government at current levels for three months. Senate Democrats are also expected to release their short-term funding plan soon. As of current, the expectation is still that Congress will be able to pass a measure to avoid a government shutdown ahead of the September 30 deadline.