This bill protects a critical nutrition program for vulnerable families during government shutdowns. When the federal government runs out of money and shuts down, WIC—a program that provides food, nutrition education, and health services to low-income pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and young children—would normally stop operating. This bill says that if states use their own money to keep WIC running during a shutdown, the federal government will pay them back once funding is restored. Essentially, it ensures that pregnant women and young children won't lose access to nutritious food and health support just because of a temporary federal funding crisis. Without this protection, families would face immediate hardship, and states would have to choose between spending their limited budgets on WIC or other essential services. By guaranteeing reimbursement, the bill removes the financial risk for states and keeps this important safety net in place no matter what happens with federal appropriations.

To authorize the reimbursement by the Federal Government of State funds used to maintain participation in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children in the event of a Government shutdown.

Amo, Gabe

<p>This bill requires the federal government to reimburse state agencies that use state funds to carry out operations necessary to maintain participation in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) during a lapse in discretionary appropriations (i.e., government shutdown). WIC&nbsp;provides nutrition-rich foods, nutrition education, and health care and social services referrals to eligible low-income women, infants, and children.</p>