WASHINGTON (AP) – The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants adn Children (WIC) is being sustained during the ongoing government shutdown through the redirection of funds initially collected from tariffs imposed under the Trump administration, officials announced today. The temporary measure ensures continued access to vital nutrition assistance for millions of vulnerable mothers and children.
the government shutdown, now in its second week, began Oct. 1 after Congress failed to pass a funding bill. The situation has raised concerns about the viability of numerous federal programs, including WIC, which provides food, healthcare referrals, and nutrition education for over 7 million low-income pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, infants, and children under age 5.
While both Democrats and Republicans have publicly expressed support for WIC, the program faced potential funding shortfalls even before the shutdown. President trump’s budget proposal and a budget bill passed by House Republicans last month would not have fully funded WIC, perhaps forcing the program to deny benefits to eligible applicants.
“As President trump is now signaling he cares about the WIC program, he shoudl finally get to the negotiating table to reopen the government,” said Sen. Patty Murray,a Democrat from Washington state. “And he should instantly disavow his budget request to substantially cut benefits for millions of moms and kids – and tell House Republicans to back off thier proposed cuts as well.”
The White House and Congressional Republicans have criticized Democrats for the shutdown, emphasizing the potential impact on WIC.”The Democrats are so cruel in their continual votes to shut down the government that they forced the WIC program for the most vulnerable women and children to run out this week,” Leavitt posted on X.
Congressional Democrats are seeking to reverse cuts to Medicaid enacted earlier this year as part of a larger legislative package and to extend subsidies for Affordable Care Act insurance plans, which cover more than 24 million Americans.Negotiations remain stalled.
The redirection of tariff revenue provides a short-term solution, but the long-term funding of WIC remains uncertain pending a resolution to the government shutdown.
