H.R.1967 - Renaming the National School Lunch Program Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.1967, the "Renaming the National School Lunch Program Act of 2025," proposes to rename the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to the "Jean E. Fairfax National School Lunch Act." The bill highlights Jean E. Fairfax's contributions to equitable access and increased funding for the program, particularly for children in areas of concentrated poverty. It also cites Richard B. Russell's opposition to civil rights legislation and his support for segregation as reasons for the name change.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill would be to change the name of the National School Lunch Program. This change aims to honor Jean E. Fairfax's contributions to the program and distance it from Richard B. Russell's controversial views on civil rights and racial equality. The bill also includes conforming amendments to update references to the Act in various other pieces of legislation.
Potential Benefits
- Honors a Civil Rights Activist: Recognizes Jean E. Fairfax's contributions to equitable access to the National School Lunch Program.
- Symbolic Importance: Addresses concerns about honoring individuals with a history of opposing civil rights.
- Promotes Inclusivity: Aligns the program's name with values of equity and inclusion.
- Educational Opportunity: Raises awareness about the history of civil rights and the importance of equitable access to resources.
- Modernizes the Program's Image: Updates the program's image to reflect current values and priorities.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for Controversy: May spark debate and opposition from those who disagree with renaming historical figures or programs.
- Administrative Burden: Requires updating numerous references to the Act in existing legislation and documents.
- Distraction from Substantive Issues: Could divert attention from addressing more pressing issues related to food security and child nutrition.
- Limited Direct Impact: The name change itself does not directly improve the program's effectiveness or reach.
- Historical Revisionism Concerns: Some may view the renaming as an attempt to erase or rewrite history.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's primary focus is on renaming legislation, which falls under the legislative powers granted to Congress in Article I, Section 1 of the US Constitution. The findings section of the bill expresses the sense of Congress regarding historical figures and their contributions, which is within the purview of legislative expression. The bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).