Murphy, Bonamici, Bacon, McGovern, Lawler, Fitzpatrick, Watson Coleman, Tokuda, and Carbajal Introduce Bicameral Malnutrition Awareness Week Resolution as Republican Budget[...]

WASHINGTON-U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D, CT.) and U.S. Representatives Suzanne Bonamici (D, OR-01), Don Bacon (R, NE-02), James McGovern (D, MA-02), Michael Lawler (R, NY-17), Brian Fitzpatrick (R, PA-01), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D, NJ-12), Jill Tokuda (D, HI-2), and Salud Carbajal (D, CA-24) on Tuesday introduced a resolution designating the week of September 8th through September 12th, 2025, as "Malnutrition Awareness Week." Food insecurity and malnutrition affect over 40 million Americans, disproportionately impacting older adults, children, and other vulnerable populations. In 2023, an estimated seven million American children lived in food-insecure households. Meanwhile, disease-associated malnutrition in older adults alone costs the United States more than $51.3 billion each year. The resolution comes in the wake of the Republicans' passage of the 'One Big Beautiful Bill', which cut nearly $200 billion from SNAP and other food assistance programs and will likely produce nationwide increases in malnutrition among children, seniors, and people with chronic illness.

The resolution recognizes the importance of federal nutrition programs and community-based organizations, like those targeted by the Republican budget bill, in preventing malnutrition and its devastating ill-effects on public health, educational achievement, and health care costs. Malnutrition's harms often extend across an individual's lifespan and increases their risk of chronic illness and healthcare complications. By raising awareness and promoting increased funding for food and healthcare programs, the resolution seeks to support nationwide efforts to improve health outcomes.

"SNAP, along with free and reduced school meals, are a lifeline for millions of vulnerable children and seniors facing malnutrition and all of the health issues that come with not having enough to eat. With their 'One Big Beautiful Bill', Donald Trump and Republicans are literally ripping food away from hungry kids just so billionaires and corporations can get a tax cut. It's unconscionable and I remain committed to raising awareness about the devastating impact this Republican policy will have on our efforts to fight malnutrition," said Senator Murphy.

"This issue is personal to me, as it is for many Americans. Because of SNAP, then known as food stamps, I had enough to eat when I worked my way through college. No one in our country should go hungry, but Trump and the GOP are gutting SNAP and other food assistance programs to pay for tax breaks for billionaires. This is an attack on working families, their children, and other vulnerable Americans. This Malnutrition Awareness Week I am continuing the fight against these devastating cuts," said Congresswoman Bonamici.

"Hudson Valley families, seniors, and children are struggling to access healthy, affordable food, and the long-term consequences on health, education, and economic opportunity can be devastating for New York communities. I'm proud to support and preserve nutrition programs that help our most vulnerable neighbors live healthier, stronger lives by recognizing the issue during Malnutrition Awareness Week," said Congressman Mike Lawler.

"Across PA-1 and the country, I've seen what this fight looks like-food banks filling the gap, schools stepping up, health professionals and caregivers doing everything they can to keep people nourished. But they can't do it alone. This resolution recognizes their work and the federal initiatives that make it possible. I'm committed to making sure those lifelines are not only protected, but strengthened-so every child, senior, veteran, and family can stay healthy and never have to wonder where their next meal will come from," said Fitzpatrick.

"Federal nutrition programs serve as a critical lifeline for millions of Americans in our ongoing fight against hunger and malnutrition," said Rep. Bacon. "We must have a strong safety net. That's why I'm pleased to co-lead the Malnutrition Awareness Week resolution to highlight these vital programs and address the pressing need for research into malnutrition's impact across all demographics. Together, we can strengthen our commitment to ensuring no American goes hungry."