Dear friend,

Welcome to your Weekly Wrap, a recap of the week in Congress and highlights of my work.

Last week, in honor of the 3.8 million public school teachers in the United States, I introduced legislation to formally designate May 5-9, 2025, as Teacher Appreciation Week. 

I also announced the launch of the Congressional Teacher Caucus. On Tuesday, I joined Educators for Excellence for a timely conversation on the release of the 2025 National Teacher Survey and participated in the National Anti-Hunger Policy Conference convened by the Food Research and Action Center (FRAC).

More from the week: House Agriculture Committee Democrats convened a press conference to amplify the importance of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in closing food insecurity gaps for children, families, seniors, and veterans. I joined my colleagues in signing a discharge petition to force a vote on the Hands Off Medicaid and SNAP Act, legislation to block the largest cuts to SNAP and Medicaid in history. Additionally, I introduced the Stop Child Hunger Act, which would expand the Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) program to include periods when schools are closed for five or more days. 

I am also including an update on the House Education and Workforce committee hearing activity. 

For my full recap, please read below.

National Teacher Appreciation Week

Last week, I introduced legislation to formally designate May 5-9, 2025, as Teacher Appreciation Week. The legislation recognizes the critical and selfless work of the 3.8 million public school teachers in the U.S. who serve as the cornerstone of the American education system. While their expertise has been acknowledged in past bipartisan efforts, the resolution notes that teachers often feel unheard in key education decisions and that only 19% would recommend the profession to others, highlighting the urgent need for change and greater teacher voice.

I also announced the launch of the Congressional Teacher Caucus, which serves to further elevate the voices of educators within the halls of Congress.

This caucus will aim to provide a dedicated platform for educators serving in Congress to find common sense solutions to address the educational issues of today, particularly in response to the unprecedented attacks against teachers, public education, the Department of Education, and higher education.

Additional information is available here. 

Educators for Excellence - Voices from the Classroom

Founded by public school teachers, Educators for Excellence is a growing movement of more than 30,000 educators, united around common values and principles for improving student learning and elevating the teaching profession.

On Tuesday, I joined the group for a timely conversation on the release of the 2025 National Teacher Survey. There is a clear, mounting concern over federal education policy, with 70% of respondents opposing the dismantling of the U.S. Department of Education.

Now more than ever, the perspective of teachers cannot be ignored.

Protecting SNAP

On Tuesday, over 1,000 advocates from across the United States gathered for the National Anti-Hunger Policy Conference convened by the Food Research and Action Center (FRAC). I joined to advocate against harmful Administration proposals to weaken SNAP, school meals, and critical income-support programs.

House Agriculture Committee Democrats held a press conference to amplify the crucial role SNAP plays in closing food security gaps for children, families, seniors, and veterans.

The House Budget Resolution advanced by Republican leadership calls for $230 billion in funding cuts. There is no way to get to this number without drastically cutting SNAP. 
 

Alongside my colleagues on the House Agriculture Committee, I remain ready and willing to work with our Republican counterparts to produce a Farm Bill that helps farmers, families and all Americans. 

Last week, House Democrats introduced the Hands Off Medicaid and SNAP Act, legislation to block the largest cuts to SNAP and Medicaid in history.  I was joined by 34 of my colleagues in signing a discharge petition that would force a vote on this bill.

Learn more about the legislation here. 

Stop Child Hunger Act

On Wednesday, I introduced the Stop Child Hunger Act. This legislation expands the Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) program to include periods when schools are closed for five or more days, including winter break, spring break, and other prolonged school closures. The legislation would also provide funding for grants to help states implement the summer EBT program more effectively.

To learn more about the Stop Child Hunger Act, click here.

House Education and Workforce Hearing

Additionally, on Wednesday, the House Committee on Education and Workforce hosted a hearing titled, Beyond the Ivy League: Stopping the Spread of Antisemitism on American Campuses. This is the eighth hearing the committee has held on the topic of antisemitism.

Unfortunately, my colleagues on the other side of the aisle continue to politicize the pain and discrimination being experienced by so many students, but have done nothing to truly make campuses safer to protect all students.

Eliminating the Office of Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Education while illuminating issues of discrimination across college campuses is hypocritical.  

And that’s a wrap!

Thank you for taking the time to read this update. Please be assured I will continue to advocate for your priorities.

Jahana Hayes

Member of Congress