Congressional Democrats have introduced a bill to safeguard funding for the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) programme, as the ongoing US government shutdown threatens its operations. The WIC Benefits Protection Act, proposed by Representatives Robert C. Scott and Suzanne Bonamici, would classify WIC as a mandatory programme, shielding it from future funding lapses during shutdowns.
The WIC programme serves approximately 40% of all US infants, providing nutritious foods, education, and referrals to healthcare for low-income pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, as well as children up to age five. Last year, it supported 6.7 million people monthly. However, states have begun scaling back services; a WIC office in Lyon County, Kansas, closed this week, and Mississippi has placed new applicants on a waitlist.
Scott criticised Republicans for refusing to negotiate on a budget bill, stating, “The benefits, if you lose them because of the lapse in funding, you can’t make up for it.” The Trump administration has redirected tariff revenue to fund WIC temporarily, with the White House calling it a “creative solution.” However, the National WIC Association warned this is not permanent, noting that federal programme costs were $7.2bn in fiscal year 2024.
The bill, co-sponsored by about 50 Democrats, would amend the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 to mandate funding from fiscal year 2026 onward. Meanwhile, the USDA stated it will use tariff revenue to fund WIC for the foreseeable future, accusing Democrats of prolonging the shutdown.
