Balanced Reporting. Trusted Insights. Friday, June 12, 2026

Food

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Washington Week Ahead: House GOP set to push through budget bills

House Republicans will seek to push through critical portions of their massive budget package this week, including elements of the farm bill, cuts to nutrition assistance and expanded tax benefits. Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins heads to the United Kingdom to talk trade, and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. faces questioning on Capitol Hill.


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Key Republican proposing Buy American restriction for SNAP benefits

Raises idea at Rollins hearing

The top Republican on the House Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee, Rep. Andy Harris, has long championed state pilots to restrict sweetened beverage purchases in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Now that states are filing waivers for these pilots, and the federal government appears open to granting them, Harris has set his sights on what he calls a “bigger and better” idea: Restricting SNAP benefits to U.S.-grown foods.


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Food companies begin steps on RFK Jr. goal of removing dyes

Some food companies are beginning to phase out synthetic food dyes in reaction to the Trump administration’s goal of removing all color additives from the food supply by the end of 2026. 
However, the push is largely driven by state laws and the industry’s success in meeting these goals could hinge on the Food and Drug Administration efficiently evaluating and approving alternatives. Cuts to the agency could throw a wrench in this process. 


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