U.S. Representative Rob Bresnahan, Jr. (PA-08) issued a statement in response to the National WIC Association’s announcement that $450 million in additional federal Section 32 funding has been directed 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.”
More than 14,000 people in Northeastern Pennsylvania depend on WIC for nutrition support, health screenings, and breastfeeding assistance.
After visiting a Maternal and Family Health Services clinic in October, Rep. Bresnahan introduced H.R. 5836, known as the Keep WIC Working Act. This bill aims to ensure continued funding for WIC during any government shutdown this year. In an interview with The Hill, Rep. Bresnahan emphasized that Congress needs to find a lasting solution.
WIC is administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and provides expecting mothers, infants, and children under five with access to healthy foods, breastfeeding support, nutrition education, and referrals to other services. The program continued operating through October after President Donald Trump allocated $300 million from Section 32 funds during the government shutdown.
