WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congress passed a Continuing Resolution (CR) to extend funding until December 20, avoiding a government shutdown after the fiscal year ends on September 30. The CR includes spending flexibilities for WIC to ensure the program can continue to serve all eligible individuals who seek services. The funding extension is expected to be signed by President Biden.
The following statement is attributed to Georgia Machell, President & CEO of the National WIC Association:
“We are pleased that Congress came together in bipartisan fashion to continue government funding for the next few months. For WIC participants, this means peace of mind through fall that the essential benefits and access to health services WIC provides will continue uninterrupted.
“However, there is no substitute for Congress meeting its primary responsibility: providing full funding for WIC through the remainder of the new fiscal year. Appropriators should begin their essential work now on crafting a funding agreement that provides WIC families and staff with the long-term certainty they need and deserve. We have seen in recent years how even the threat of reduced funding can cause needless turmoil for WIC families. Congress has more than enough time to avoid repeating such a scenario, and we urge members to use that time wisely.”
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