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.

Summary

Allows State agencies that use State funds to keep WIC (Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children) running during a lapse in federal discretionary appropriations to receive reimbursement from the federal government for those State expenditures after the lapse ends. The provision applies only to WIC operations maintained during the funding lapse and reimburses States after normal federal funding resumes.

Key Points

• States that use State funds to keep WIC running during a federal funding lapse can be reimbursed by the federal government after the lapse ends.
• The reimbursement authority applies only to the WIC program under the Child Nutrition Act.
• States must front the cost during the lapse and request repayment once federal appropriations resume.
• Aims to maintain WIC services for beneficiaries during government funding gaps.
• Does not itself appropriate funds; it creates eligibility for later federal outlays to repay States.
• Reduces the risk of service interruptions for pregnant women, infants, and young children who rely on WIC.
• Likely requires administrative claims and verification by federal agencies before reimbursement is paid.
• Narrow in scope—does not extend to other nutrition or social programs.

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