Bills · HR 7259
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 7259Agriculture and Food
Military Dependents School Meal Eligibility Act of 2026
INTRO JAN 27· LAST ACTION JAN 27
READING
2MIN
COSPONSORS
2BIPARTISAN
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
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- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill matters because it seeks to address food insecurity and financial strain among military families, who often face unique challenges like frequent relocation and variable incomes, particularly at lower ranks. By not counting housing allowances as income for school meal eligibility, more military children could qualify for free or reduced-price meals, ensuring they have consistent access to nutritious food during the school day. This can significantly impact children's health, concentration, and academic performance.
Furthermore, if the proposed direct certification process is implemented, it would simplify the application process for families and reduce administrative burdens for schools, potentially decreasing any social stigma associated with applying for assistance. Without this bill, military families might continue to struggle to qualify for essential meal assistance, even if they are facing hardship, because their housing allowance inflates their reported income.
KEY PROVISIONS
3AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Requires the Secretary of Agriculture, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, to study and report on the feasibility and cost of directly certifying children of uniformed service members for free or reduced-price school meals.
This could streamline the process for military families, reducing paperwork and ensuring eligible children automatically receive benefits.
PROVISION 02
Amends the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act to exclude certain military housing allowances, like the Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH), from the calculation of household income for school meal eligibility.
This directly makes it easier for military families to qualify for free or reduced-price school meals, providing financial relief and food security.
PROVISION 03
The report on direct certification must evaluate options such as using data collected for military basic needs allowances and excluding non-service member income from the calculation of household income.
This ensures the study explores effective ways to implement direct certification and fairly assess eligibility for military families.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 2
D· California
YRS IN OFFICE
7
BILLS LED
25
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 100%
DEM 1 REP 1 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSJAN 27
Introduced in House
JAN 27
Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Bill
NumberHR 7259
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedJan 27, 2026
Last actionJan 27, 2026
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED JAN 27, 2026
House BillHR 7259Agriculture and Food
Military Dependents School Meal Eligibility Act of 2026
INTRODUCED JAN 27, 2026· LAST ACTION JAN 27, 2026
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
2 min
COSPONSORS
2
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
