S.993 - School Lunch Debt Cancellation Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
The School Lunch Debt Cancellation Act of 2025 aims to eliminate outstanding school meal debts for households and expand the use of the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) funds for nutrition programs. The bill directs the Secretary of Agriculture to cancel all existing school meal debts and reimburse local educational authorities using CCC funds. It also broadens the CCC's authority to support other nutrition assistance programs like the Commodity Supplemental Food Program and the Emergency Food Assistance Program.
Expected Effects
If enacted, this bill would relieve financial burdens on families with school meal debt. It would also increase funding available for various food assistance programs. This could lead to improved food security for vulnerable populations.
Potential Benefits
- Reduced Household Debt: Eliminates the burden of school meal debt for families.
- Increased Food Security: Expands access to nutrition programs for vulnerable populations.
- Support for Local Educational Authorities: Reimburses schools for cancelled debt, potentially freeing up resources for other educational needs.
- Streamlined Access to Nutrition: Simplifies the process of accessing food assistance programs.
- Potential for Improved Child Health: Ensures children have access to nutritious meals, supporting their health and development.
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased Government Spending: Requires the use of Commodity Credit Corporation funds, potentially increasing the national debt.
- Potential for Moral Hazard: May incentivize future debt accumulation if households expect repeated debt cancellation.
- Administrative Burden: Requires the Secretary of Agriculture to manage the cancellation and reimbursement process.
- Potential for Inequity: May not address the root causes of food insecurity, such as poverty and unemployment.
- Risk of Mismanagement: The expansion of CCC funds for nutrition programs could lead to inefficiencies or misuse of funds.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's constitutional alignment is based on the General Welfare Clause (Article I, Section 8), which allows Congress to provide for the general welfare of the United States. The use of the Commodity Credit Corporation funds could be viewed as an exercise of Congress's power to regulate agriculture and provide for food security. However, some may argue that the debt cancellation exceeds the scope of federal power and infringes on states' rights.
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).