H.R. 5836: Keep WIC Working Act

The bill titled "Keep WIC Working Act" aims to ensure the continuous funding of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) during any government shutdowns that may occur in the fiscal year 2026. Here’s a breakdown of what the bill proposes:

Key Provisions

• Uninterrupted Benefits: The bill specifies that in the event of a lapse in discretionary appropriations for the Department of Agriculture, funds will be appropriated to maintain WIC operations. This means that even if the government stops funding for a period, support for the WIC program will continue without interruption.
• Funding Source: The funding for WIC will come from money in the Treasury that has not already been appropriated for other uses. This provides a safeguard to ensure WIC can operate regardless of the usual funding processes.
• Retroactive Benefits: The bill includes provisions to reimburse state agencies for any funds they used from September 30, 2025, up until the bill is enacted. This will help ensure that states are compensated for maintaining WIC operations during any funding gaps caused by a shutdown.
• Termination of Funding: The appropriations for WIC will remain available until the Department of Agriculture receives its fiscal year 2026 appropriations. This clause helps to clarify that once regular funding is enacted, the emergency provisions of the bill will come to an end.

In summary, the "Keep WIC Working Act" is designed to protect and maintain the funding and operations of the WIC program during times when the government may not be able to provide funding, thereby ensuring that women, infants, and children who rely on this nutrition assistance continue to receive support.

Relevant Companies

None found