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H.R. 5740: WIC Benefits Protection Act

This bill, known as the WIC Benefits Protection Act, aims to amend the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 to ensure mandatory funding for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). Here is a breakdown of the key components of the bill:

Mandatory Funding Requirement

The bill proposes that WIC must be funded as a mandatory program, meaning it would no longer be subject to discretionary funding. Specifically, it states that:

The Secretary of Agriculture must carry out the WIC program.
Funding for the program will be provided through appropriations from the U.S. Treasury each fiscal year, starting from 2026 onward, without needing separate authorization each year.

Eligibility Clarifications

The bill modifies language regarding eligibility for the WIC program. The current text that limits participation is changed to clarify that individuals who qualify can participate, removing previous wording that implied restrictions on inclusion.

Effect on Appropriations

The language around appropriations within the Child Nutrition Act is amended to specify that necessary funds must be appropriated from the Treasury to implement the program in the future, ensuring that program financing is secured and ongoing.

Key Goals of the Bill

To provide a reliable funding stream for WIC to support nutrition needs for women, infants, and children.
To remove potential barriers to participation in the WIC program by clarifying eligibility standards.
To establish a clear mandate that the program must be funded, aiming for uninterrupted service delivery to the eligible population.

Overall, the WIC Benefits Protection Act seeks to strengthen the WIC program by making its funding mandatory and clarifying eligibility requirements, thereby enhancing food and nutrition assistance for target groups.