Political Quotes

“I rise today about a resolution to make it harder for students--all students--to have access to school meals. I am referring to S.J. Res. 42. We deal with a lot of complex issues here every day. This is not a complex issue. First, the Federal policy: the USDA memo clarifying that State agencies and programs participating in Federal school meal programs are required to abide by our Nation's anti-discrimination laws. This means that they cannot deny access to kids on the basis of their gender identity or sexual orientation. In other words, schools may not deny lunch to LGBTQ+ kids. Now, this isn't some strange, new interpretation of the law that USDA came up with and announced out of the blue; this is the USDA implementing anti-discrimination laws that apply across government, in line with the Supreme Court's reading. This is what the Republicans attempted to overturn with S.J. Res. 42. Of course, S.J. Res. 42 was never really just about school lunches. The goal was to send a message to LGBTQ+ kids that they are not welcome, to send a message that it is OK to discriminate against these kids because of who they are. I want to be very clear. That is wrong. We proudly stand with LGBTQ+ kids. Your rights matter. You are welcome at school. The USDA guidance will help kids. It will also reduce discrimination and bring Agency guidance in line with Supreme Court precedent.…”