On July 15th, by a bipartisan vote of 32 to 13, the House Education and Labor Committee amended and passed the “Improving Nutrition for America’s Children Act” (H.R. 5504). Click here for FRAC’s updated highlights of the bill.
Children Can’t Wait - Pass Child Nutrition Reauthorization This Year.
Fund and pass H.R. 5504 and the critical support it provides for low-income children by improving their access to the nutritious food they need - whether in school, in out-of-school time programs, or in child care - and improving the nutritional quality of the meals they receive. Passage of a Child Nutrition Reauthorization bill this year will ensure significant movement towards the goals of ending child hunger by 2015 and dramatically reducing childhood obesity.
You may be hearing a rumor from groups outside the anti-hunger community that the House will not vote on a CNR bill until after the Senate has passed their bill. We have heard from the Speaker’s office that this is not the case with the CNR bill. In fact, the First Lady, along with anti-hunger groups and others, have applauded the House bill for its ability to tackle both anti-hunger and childhood obesity priorities.
1. Calls Needed. Lend your voice to a nationwide “Call-in to Congress and the White House” during the next two weeks before Congress adjourns for summer recess. Call toll-free, 1-866-277-7617, to connect to your Representative and Senators. You can also use this number to call the White House. Urge your Members of Congress and President Obama to pass a robust CNR bill before the end of the 111th Congress. Members of Congress need to press House and Senate leadership to make CNR a “must pass” priority for this year. (Thanks to Voices for America’s Children for use of their toll-free number).
2. Schedule District Appointments Now. Schedule face-time with your Member over the summer recess (House on 7/31; Senate on 8/7, return on 9/13) - whether through a meeting or site visit at your school, agency or program. If face-time is not an option, schedule quality time through a “community conference call.” For more information on either of these options, contact Etienne Melcher, emelcher@frac.org or Ellen Teller, eteller@frac.org.
3. Endorse H.R. 5504. E-mail FRAC to sign your organization onto the growing list of national, state and local organizations endorsing H.R. 5504 (emelcher@frac.org).
Financing CNR
To proceed to the House floor, all new provisions in H.R. 5504 must be completely financed in order to comply with House budget (”pay-go”) rules. FRAC is urging full funding - and the right mix of funding - for H.R. 5504. H.R. 5504 would authorize an additional $8 billion over ten years for Child Nutrition and WIC Programs.
House and Senate Committee Chairs Call on President Obama to Make Ending Childhood Hunger and Obesity a Top Legislative Priority
On July 13, Senate Agriculture Chair Blanche Lincoln (D-AR) and House Ed & Labor Chair George Miller (D-CA) delivered a letter to President Obama urging him to make Child Nutrition Reauthorization a top legislative priority. To view the letter, go to http://ag.senate.gov/site/lincolnnews.html.
CNR Resources
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