Equal Access to the Right Nutrition for Military Families (EARN) Act of 2021
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (6 Oct 2021): Referred to the Subcommittee on Nutrition, Oversight, and Department Operations.
What this bill does
The Equal Access to the Right Nutrition for Military Families (EARN) Act of 2021 aims to make it easier for military families to receive food assistance. Specifically, it proposes to exclude the housing allowance from the income calculation for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). It also includes provisions for direct certification and enrollment of eligible military families, and a temporary SNAP benefit for recently discharged service members.
This bill would affect active-duty service members and their dependents. By excluding the housing allowance, it could increase the number of military families eligible for SNAP benefits. Additionally, the bill directs the Secretary of Defense to conduct outreach to inform service members about potential eligibility and to develop a data sharing agreement with the Secretary of Agriculture.
The EARN Act was introduced in the House of Representatives in September 2021 and has been referred to the House Committee on Agriculture and the House Committee on Armed Services. The bill has not yet been acted upon by either committee. If passed by Congress and signed by the President, further administrative actions would be required to implement its provisions, including the development of agreements between the Departments of Defense and Agriculture.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Equal Access to the Right Nutrition for Military Families (EARN) Act of 2021
This bill facilitates the participation of military households in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by excluding from income limits the housing allowance provided to members of the Armed Forces and modifying administration and other aspects of the program.
Timeline
6 Oct 2021
Referred to the Subcommittee on Nutrition, Oversight, and Department Operations.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 5346 do?
- The Equal Access to the Right Nutrition for Military Families (EARN) Act of 2021 aims to make it easier for military families to receive food assistance. Specifically, it proposes to exclude the housing allowance from the income calculation for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). It also includes provisions for direct certification and enrollment of eligible military families, and a temporary SNAP benefit for recently discharged service members. This bill would affect active-duty service members and their dependents. By excluding the housing allowance, it could increase the number of military families eligible for SNAP benefits. Additionally, the bill directs the Secretary of Defense to conduct outreach to inform service members about potential eligibility and to develop a data sharing agreement with the Secretary of Agriculture. The EARN Act was introduced in the House of Representatives in September 2021 and has been referred to the House Committee on Agriculture and the House Committee on Armed Services. The bill has not yet been acted upon by either committee. If passed by Congress and signed by the President, further administrative actions would be required to implement its provisions, including the development of agreements between the Departments of Defense and Agriculture.
- Has H.R. 5346 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for H.R. 5346. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored H.R. 5346?
- H.R. 5346 was sponsored by Rep. Bishop, Sanford D., Jr. [D-GA-2] (D-GA), with 30 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 5346?
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Nutrition, Oversight, and Department Operations. (6 Oct 2021).
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