To amend the Emergency Food Assistance Act of 1983 to allow certain States to directly purchase commodities, and for other purposes.
Summary
H.R. 7455 aims to amend the Emergency Food Assistance Act of 1983, allowing eligible states to directly purchase commodities using federal entitlement funds. This would give states more control over how they acquire food for distribution to those in need. The bill defines 'eligible state' by referencing the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018.
Expected Effects
The bill would change the process by which states receive commodities for food assistance programs. Instead of the Secretary of Agriculture purchasing and distributing commodities, eligible states could opt to receive cash and make direct purchases themselves. This could lead to more localized food sourcing and potentially more efficient distribution based on specific state needs.
Potential Benefits
- Increased state autonomy in food procurement.
- Potential for more localized and culturally relevant food choices.
- Possible reduction in transportation costs and logistical complexities.
- Opportunity for states to support local farmers and producers.
- Greater flexibility to respond to specific needs within the state.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased administrative burden on states.
- Risk of mismanagement or inefficient purchasing practices at the state level.
- Possible inconsistencies in food quality and safety across different states.
- Potential for reduced bargaining power compared to federal procurement.
- Increased risk of fraud or corruption at the state level.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the General Welfare Clause (Article I, Section 8) of the Constitution, as it relates to providing for the needs of citizens through food assistance programs. The amendment delegates authority to the states, which is generally permissible under the Tenth Amendment, provided that the federal government sets the overall objectives and standards.
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).