Bill > HR5836

This bill, called the "Keep WIC Working Act," aims to ensure continuous funding for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) during a government shutdown in fiscal year 2026. Specifically, the bill appropriates necessary funds from the U.S. Treasury to the Secretary of Agriculture to maintain WIC program operations if there is a lapse in discretionary appropriations. The funding will cover ongoing program services and retroactively reimburse state agencies for any state funds used to maintain WIC participation between September 30, 2025, and the bill's enactment date. These emergency appropriations will remain in effect until Congress passes regular or continuing appropriations for the Department of Agriculture for fiscal year 2026, thereby ensuring that vulnerable populations relying on WIC—which provides nutrition assistance to low-income pregnant women, new mothers, and young children—do not lose critical food and nutrition support during a potential government funding interruption.

Budget and Finance

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/5836/all-info