AUSTIN, Texas - Amid tense debate over education funding, Texas House members paused to take up a matter dear to school kids everywhere: cupcakes.

Legislators in a unanimous vote Wednesday cleared the way for public school students to once again nibble on the sweet treats - complete with candy sprinkles - to celebrate their birthdays.

"We have an opportunity to really make the children happy here," said Rep. Jim Dunnam, asking fellow House members to approve the measure requested by his school-age daughter, Lauren.

Texas Agriculture Commissioner Susan Combs, whose agency oversees the state's school lunch program, imposed new healthy food rules beginning this academic year aimed at limiting or eliminating junk food and food that competes with cafeteria fare.

In August, soon after setting the new rules, Combs issued a "cupcake clarification" stating that cakes and cupcakes could be brought to school for birthdays.