WIC Could Get Whacked In A Prolonged Shutdown

WASHINGTON – Millions of women and children could lose out on special food benefits if the federal government stays shut down for long.

Unlike Social Security, Medicare and the program formerly known as “food stamps,” which have automatic funding sources, the much smaller Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children will run out of money if Congress doesn’t reopen the government.

Republicans and the White House have repeatedly highlighted the peril to WIC, as it’s known, after most Senate Democrats voted against a government funding bill and federal agencies shuttered on Wednesday.

Usually, it’s Democrats demanding the government remain funded, but they’re holding out for health care policy changes. And in past shutdowns, it’s been Democrats blasting Republicans for jeopardizing access to programs like WIC.

“The Women, Infants and Children program, community health center funding, Medicare treatment options and other health programs are now all at risk because of the Democrats rejecting the clean CR,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Wednesday, referring to a “continuing resolution” that would have funded the government into November.