Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB9980

Introduced
10/11/24  

Caption

To amend the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 to establish an Office of Kosher and Halal Foods, and for other purposes.

Impact

The establishment of this office will likely enhance the capacity for the USDA to procure and distribute kosher and halal food within its various programs, including emergency food assistance. This legislative move acknowledges that while a substantial portion of food has kosher certification in the marketplace, current federal programs have insufficient options that cater to individuals with these dietary restrictions. As such, the bill aims for a systemic improvement in emergency food assistance to ensure that those with religiously mandated diets are not forced to forgo food due to a lack of suitable options.

Summary

House Bill 9980 aims to amend the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 by establishing an Office of Kosher and Halal Foods. This office will be tasked with ensuring that individuals adhering to kosher and halal dietary restrictions have full and fair access to food programs administered by the USDA. With the significant populations of Jewish and Muslim Americans, the intent is to address food insecurity among these communities by improving the availability of kosher and halal options in existing nutrition assistance programs.

Contention

There may be points of contention surrounding the funding allocations necessary for the establishment and operation of the Office of Kosher and Halal Foods. The bill allocates $1.6 million annually from the budget to support its activities until 2029. Critics may question whether this allocation is sufficient or if it constitutes an appropriate use of public funds, particularly in a political climate where budgeting for various social programs is heavily scrutinized. Additionally, the enforcement of these dietary requirements could spark discussions about regulation and federal versus state control over food assistance programs.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US SB2457

A bill to amend the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 to establish an Office of Self-Governance, and for other purposes.

US SB0167

KOSHER & HALAL FOODS

US HB2740

To establish an Office of Colonia Affairs within the Department of Agriculture, and for other purposes.

US HB3636

KOSHER & HALAL FOODS

US HB10529

To provide for the reform and continuation of agricultural and other programs of the Department of Agriculture through fiscal year 2029, and for other purposes.

US HB9936

To amend the National Agricultural Research, Extension, and Teaching Policy Act of 1977 with respect to workforce development, and for other purposes.

US SB5632

A bill to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to establish and administer a pilot program to provide grants to support Food is Medicine programs, and for other purposes.

US HB3168

To establish a Joint Autonomy Office in the Department of Defense, and for other purposes.

US HB9749

To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to abolish the reorganization authority of the Department of Homeland Security, and for other purposes.

US HB10514

To provide additional assistance to certain agricultural producers, and for other purposes.

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