Bresnahan introduces Keep WIC Working Act to protect WIC funding during government shutdown
WASHINGTON, DC — On October 28, U.S. Representative Rob Bresnahan, Jr. (PA-08) introduced H.R. 5836, the Keep WIC Working Act, legislation to ensure the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) remains fully funded and operational during any lapse in federal appropriations. The bill would guarantee mothers and young children who depend on WIC do not lose access to vital nutrition due to political dysfunction in Washington.
Rep. Bresnahan first spoke about the legislation in an exclusive with The Hill.
In Northeastern Pennsylvania alone, more than 14,000 individuals rely on WIC for essential nutrition support, health screenings, and breastfeeding assistance.
“Moms and babies should not go hungry because Washington cannot do its job,” said Rep. Bresnahan. “This shutdown has created major uncertainty for WIC participants and providers nationwide. The Keep WIC Working Act is about giving peace of mind to our local WIC clinics and the families who depend on them for basic nutrition and health services.”
WIC is a USDA program which supports expecting mothers, infants, and children under age five by providing access to healthy foods, breastfeeding support, nutrition education, and referrals to other support services.
The Keep WIC Working Act would ensure funding stability for the WIC program during any lapse in appropriations in Fiscal Year 2026, allowing state and local WIC agencies to continue operating without interruption.
The introduction of the Keep WIC Working Act follows Rep. Bresnahan’s recent visit to the Maternal and Family Health Services (MFHS) Circle of Care Clinic in Scranton, where he met with staff and witnessed firsthand the vital services at risk due to a potential funding lapse.
“MFHS appreciates Congressman Bresnahan’s leadership on the Keep WIC Working Act. Ensuring continued funding for WIC during a government shutdown is vital for the more than 50,000 women, infants, and children we serve each month through WIC,” said Maria Montoro Edwards, PhD, President and CEO, Maternal and Family Health Services. “This legislation protects access to essential nutrition and support that families in our communities rely on every day.”
WIC has remained operational through October due to President Donald Trump’s decision to utilize $300 million in Section 32 funding to keep the program running during the government shutdown.
The full text of the legislation can be found here.