This legislation, titled the "Keep WIC Working Act," aims to ensure the uninterrupted operation of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) during potential government shutdowns. Its primary purpose is to provide continuous funding for this vital program, which supports the nutritional needs of low-income pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and young children. Specifically, the bill appropriates necessary funds from the Treasury for WIC in fiscal year 2026, whenever there is a lapse in discretionary appropriations for the Department of Agriculture. These appropriations are designed to cover all operational costs required to maintain WIC services and participant benefits. Furthermore, it includes provisions for retroactive reimbursement to state agencies for any state funds expended between September 30, 2025, and the bill's enactment date to keep WIC running. Funding under this act will continue until full appropriations for the Department of Agriculture for fiscal year 2026 are enacted, including any continuing appropriations.
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Timeline
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on Appropriations.
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on Appropriations.
Agriculture and Food
Keep WIC Working Act
USA119th CongressHR-5836| House
| Updated: 10/28/2025
This legislation, titled the "Keep WIC Working Act," aims to ensure the uninterrupted operation of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) during potential government shutdowns. Its primary purpose is to provide continuous funding for this vital program, which supports the nutritional needs of low-income pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and young children. Specifically, the bill appropriates necessary funds from the Treasury for WIC in fiscal year 2026, whenever there is a lapse in discretionary appropriations for the Department of Agriculture. These appropriations are designed to cover all operational costs required to maintain WIC services and participant benefits. Furthermore, it includes provisions for retroactive reimbursement to state agencies for any state funds expended between September 30, 2025, and the bill's enactment date to keep WIC running. Funding under this act will continue until full appropriations for the Department of Agriculture for fiscal year 2026 are enacted, including any continuing appropriations.