Democrats ask Trump administration to halt proposed rule that could end free school lunch for 500,000 children

The Trump administration's July proposal to tighten qualifications for food stamps may result in half a million children losing access to free meals at school. Now, Democrats are fighting the proposal as it is closer to taking effect.

The comment period for the rule ended Monday, The Washington Post reports, but on Tuesday, Democratic members of the House Committee on Education and Labor called on Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue to halt the proposed change.

The Democrats argue the potential impact on schoolchildren was not publicized during the comment period, per the Post. "By undermining access to these essential programs, the proposed rule would worsen child food insecurity," they wrote.

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A spokeswoman for the Agriculture Department said the number wasn't publicized because they were focusing solely on the food stamp program, not ripple effects, ut if the households lose access to food stamps — a factor in free school lunch eligibility — children may lose out on food at school, too.

A spokeswoman for the Republicans on the committee argues the concerns are overblown, the Post reports. If the rule goes into effect, children will lose eligibility next school year. However, some high-poverty schools offer free meals to all students, no questions asked. Read more at The Washington Post.