Food Assurance and Security Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Bell, Wesley [D-MO-1]
- Committees
- Agriculture Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Jan 13, 2026
Bottom line
The bill establishes a permanent, interagency program to consistently measure and report on food insecurity and hunger in the United States, ensuring continuity of vital data collection.
What it actually does
This bill mandates the Secretary of Agriculture, in coordination with the Census Bureau, to establish and maintain an interagency program for the annual collection, analysis, and reporting of food insecurity and hunger data. It specifically requires the Current Population Survey to include a food security supplement with a detailed set of questions, and for the USDA to publish and submit annual reports based on these findings. The bill also appropriates necessary funds for this program.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that consistent, high-quality data on food insecurity is crucial for understanding the scope of the problem and for developing effective policies and programs to address it. By codifying this interagency program and mandating specific data collection, the bill ensures long-term commitment to monitoring food security trends and allows for better resource allocation and program evaluation.
Opponents contend
Critics might raise concerns about the open-ended appropriation of 'such sums as may be necessary,' arguing it lacks fiscal discipline and could lead to unchecked spending. While the goal of data collection is generally supported, some might question the specific methodology or the potential burden on survey respondents, though the bill does allow for amendments to questions after robust testing and public input.
The bill is very short and clear, making it highly accessible for anyone to read and understand its core provisions within minutes.
Section 2(a)
Interagency Food Security Measurement Program Establishment
This section requires the Secretary of Agriculture, in collaboration with the Director of the Census Bureau, to create and maintain a program focused on food security measurement. The program's primary role will be to coordinate the yearly gathering, analysis, and publication of data related to food insecurity and hunger across the nation.
Supporters argue
Proponents argue that establishing a formal, interagency program ensures a unified and consistent approach to measuring food insecurity, which is essential for accurate national assessments and effective policy development.
Critics contend
No specific opposition is typically raised against the establishment of data collection programs, though some might express general concerns about bureaucratic expansion or resource allocation.
Tradeoffs
The primary tension is balancing the need for comprehensive data with potential administrative costs and coordination challenges between two distinct federal agencies.
Section 2(b)
Mandatory Food Security Reporting and Survey Supplement
This provision mandates that the Current Population Survey (CPS) conducted by the Census Bureau include a specific food security supplement from 2026 through 2028 and beyond, using a detailed set of questions from 2023 (with provisions for future amendments after testing and public input). Additionally, the Secretary of Agriculture must include findings from these questions in annual reports, make these reports publicly available on the Department's website, and submit them to Congress.
Section 2(c)
Funding for Food Security Measurement Program
This section appropriates 'such sums as may be necessary' to the Secretary of Agriculture to implement the food security measurement program. Crucially, it also directs the Secretary of Agriculture to transfer a portion of these appropriated funds to the Census Bureau to cover the costs it incurs in conducting the annual food security supplement.
The bill appropriates 'such sums as may be necessary' to the Secretary of Agriculture to carry out the food security measurement program.
Section 2(c)(1)
Why it matters:This is standard legislative practice for ongoing programs where precise annual costs may fluctuate or are difficult to estimate far in advance. It's not necessarily evasive, but it does defer specific spending decisions.
Case for: Supporters argue this ensures the program is adequately funded each year without needing constant reauthorization of specific dollar amounts, providing stability for a critical data collection effort.
Case against: Critics may contend that 'such sums as may be necessary' lacks fiscal accountability, allowing for potentially unlimited spending without explicit congressional review of specific budget figures.
Estimated impact: This clause ensures continuous funding for the interagency food security measurement program, with the exact annual cost to be determined by the agencies and subject to the appropriations process.