Bresnahan sponsors legislation to maintain WIC funding during government shutdown

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) would remain fully funded and operational during any lapse in federal appropriations under legislation sponsored on Oct. 28 by U.S. Rep. Rob Bresnahan (R-PA).

“Moms and babies should not go hungry because Washington cannot do its job,” Rep. Bresnahan said. “This shutdown has created major uncertainty for WIC participants and providers nationwide.”

WIC is a federal program that supports expecting mothers, infants, and children under age five by providing access to healthy foods, breast-feeding support, nutrition education, and referrals to other support services. 

The congressman introduced the Keep WIC Working Act, H.R. 5836, alongside original cosponsors U.S. Reps. Zach Nunn (R-IA) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) to make continuing appropriations for the WIC program in the event of a federal government shutdown. 

“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,” said Rep. Bresnahan.

The introduction of H.R. 5836 follows Rep. Bresnahan’s recent visit to the Maternal and Family Health Services (MFHS) Circle of Care Clinic in Scranton, Pa., where he met with staff and witnessed firsthand the services at risk due to a potential funding lapse. 

MFHS President and CEO Maria Montoro Edwards said that ensuring continued funding for WIC during a government shutdown is vital for the more than 50,000 women, infants, and children the Scranton program serves monthly.

“This legislation protects access to essential nutrition and support that families in our communities rely on every day,” she said.

H.R. 5836 has been referred to the U.S. House Appropriations Committee for consideration.