Bresnahan Statement on Continued Funding for WIC

WASHINGTON, DC: Today, U.S. Representative Rob Bresnahan, Jr. (PA-08) released the below statement following the National WIC Association’s announcement that $450 million in additional federal section 32 funding has been allocated to the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).

“As someone who has been fighting to keep WIC funded throughout the shutdown, I am glad to see the administration step up to the plate,” said Rep. Bresnahan. “Food for moms and babies should never be used for political games. Now it’s our turn to pass my Keep WIC Working Act to make sure families aren’t going hungry because of Washington gridlock.”

In Northeastern Pennsylvania alone, more than 14,000 individuals rely on WIC for essential nutrition support, health screenings, and breastfeeding assistance.  

After his visit to a local Maternal and Family Health Services clinic in October, Rep. Bresnahan introduced H.R. 5836, the Keep WIC Working Act, which would fund WIC during any government shutdown this year. In an interview with The Hill, Rep. Bresnahan stressed the importance of Congress finding a more permanent solution.

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. It 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. 

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