WASHINGTON (AP) — Congress is taking some whole grains off the school lunch line. A massive year-end spending bill released Tuesday doesn't allow schools to opt out of healthier school meal standards championed by first lady Michelle Obama, as House Republicans had sought.

But it would ease standards that require more whole grains in school foods. The bill also would put off rules to lower sodium in school meals. Those rules were supposed to kick in by 2017. Some school nutrition directors have lobbied for a break from the standards, which have been phased in since 2012.

They say the rules have proven to be costly and restrictive. House Republicans have said they are an overreach. Michelle Obama has said she will fight "to the bitter end" to ensure healthy meals in schools.

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