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To require the Secretary of Agriculture to cancel existing school meal debt.

1/4/2025, 11:12 AM

Summary of Bill HR 10552

Bill 118 hr 10552, also known as the "School Meal Debt Cancellation Act," is a proposed piece of legislation that aims to address the issue of school meal debt in the United States. The bill would require the Secretary of Agriculture to cancel any existing school meal debt that has accrued in the National School Lunch Program or the School Breakfast Program.

The National School Lunch Program and the School Breakfast Program are federal initiatives that provide nutritious meals to students in need. However, many schools across the country have struggled with accumulating debt from unpaid meal charges. This debt can create financial burdens for schools and families, and can even result in students being denied meals or receiving alternative, less nutritious options.

Under the provisions of the School Meal Debt Cancellation Act, the Secretary of Agriculture would be required to cancel any outstanding school meal debt, relieving schools and families of this financial burden. This would ensure that all students have access to healthy meals without the fear of being denied or receiving inadequate options due to unpaid charges. Overall, the bill aims to promote food security and ensure that all students have access to nutritious meals while attending school. By canceling existing school meal debt, the legislation seeks to alleviate financial strain on schools and families, ultimately benefiting the well-being and academic success of students across the country.

Congressional Summary of HR 10552

School Lunch Debt Cancellation Act of 2024

This bill directs the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to cancel and eliminate all household school meal debts (as of the date of the bill's enactment) under the school breakfast and lunch programs. USDA must also pay the amount of the cancelled debt to each local educational authority using Commodity Credit Corporation funds.

Current Status of Bill HR 10552

Bill HR 10552 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since December 20, 2024. Bill HR 10552 was introduced during Congress 118 and was introduced to the House on December 20, 2024.  Bill HR 10552's most recent activity was Referred to the Committee on Education and the Workforce, and in addition to the Committee on Agriculture, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. as of December 20, 2024

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 10552

Total Number of Sponsors
2
Democrat Sponsors
2
Republican Sponsors
0
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
1
Democrat Cosponsors
1
Republican Cosponsors
0
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 10552

Primary Policy Focus

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 10552

To require the Secretary of Agriculture to cancel existing school meal debt.
To require the Secretary of Agriculture to cancel existing school meal debt.

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