WIC Benefits Protection Act
H.R. 5740, titled the WIC Benefits Protection Act, would make the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) mandatory funded under the Child Nutrition Act of 1966. The bill would require the federal government to carry out WIC as a guaranteed, ongoing program beginning in fiscal year 2026 and each year thereafter, using appropriations that are automatic rather than discretionary. It also reaffirms eligibility for participants by emphasizing that individuals who are eligible to participate shall be able to participate, rather than placing limits on participation. In short, the bill seeks to provide stable, year-to-year funding for WIC and ensure that eligible individuals can access benefits without annual funding uncertainties.
Key Points
- 1Makes WIC funding mandatory rather than discretionary, starting in fiscal year 2026 and continuing each year thereafter.
- 2Requires the Secretary to carry out the WIC program as a mandatory program, removing some discretionary language related to program operation.
- 3Modifies eligibility language to focus on individuals who are eligible to participate, rather than allowing broad limitations on participation.
- 4Establishes automatic appropriations: “such sums as are necessary to carry out this section” out of the Treasury for each fiscal year (2026 and onward), in addition to amounts otherwise available.
- 5Signals a long-term, stable funding approach for WIC, reducing the risk of funding shortfalls due to annual appropriations decisions.