HR 5836119th CongressIn Committee

Keep WIC Working Act

Introduced: Oct 28, 2025

Sponsor: Rep. Bresnahan, Robert P. [R-PA-8] (R-Pennsylvania)

Agriculture & FoodEconomy & TaxesSocial Services

Standard Summary

Comprehensive overview in 1-2 paragraphs

This legislation ensures uninterrupted funding for the WIC program during government shutdowns in fiscal year 2026 by authorizing mandatory appropriations from the Treasury, retroactively covering state expenditures since September 30, 2025, and maintaining benefits until regular Department of Agriculture appropriations are enacted.

Key Points

1The bill mandates Treasury funding for WIC operations during any FY2026 appropriations lapse for the Department of Agriculture to prevent service disruptions.
2It requires reimbursement of state agencies for funds expended between September 30, 2025, and enactment to sustain WIC participation during shutdown periods.
3Appropriations remain available exclusively until regular FY2026 Agriculture Department funding is enacted, including any continuing resolutions.

Impact Areas

Low-income pregnant women, infants, and children receiving WIC nutrition benefitsState WIC administering agencies using emergency state funds during shutdownsFederal Treasury through drawdown of unappropriated funds for program continuity

Generated by legislative-analyst-v3 on Nov 1, 2025