Sponsors (88)
The bill ensures WIC benefits continue and states are later reimbursed when federal appropriations lapse, but it requires states to temporarily advance funds—risking cash-flow strain and possible short-term service gaps if states cannot front costs.
Low-income pregnant women, infants, and children will continue receiving WIC nutrition services during federal appropriations lapses, preserving access to food and health-related supports.
State WIC agencies that fronted state funds during an appropriations lapse will be reimbursed by the federal government, removing the long-term financial burden from state budgets.
Low-income participants (pregnant women, infants, children) could still experience short-term disruptions to WIC services if some states lack the cash to continue operations despite the promise of later reimbursement.
State governments must front WIC program costs during lapses and may face temporary cash-flow strain or budget stress until federal reimbursement is provided after the lapse ends.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Requires federal reimbursement to States for State funds used to keep WIC operations running during any lapse in discretionary federal appropriations, payable after the lapse ends.
Requires the federal government to reimburse State agencies for State funds they spent to keep WIC (Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children) running during any lapse in discretionary federal appropriations. Reimbursement is available after the lapse in federal funding ends and applies to State money used to maintain WIC participation. The bill does not specify detailed application or payment processes, caps, or new appropriations; it simply makes the federal government responsible for repaying State expenditures used to preserve WIC operations during funding lapses.
Introduced October 8, 2025 by Gabe Amo · Last progress October 8, 2025