Congresswoman Goodlander Demands Funding for WIC Program During Government Shutdown

Strategic Insights -

Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander (D-NH) has joined 49 of her colleagues in demanding that Speaker Mike Johnson bring the House back to session to protect funding for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC). The program, which provides essential resources such as healthy foods, nutrition education, and breastfeeding support to nearly 7 million pregnant women, new parents, and young children, is at risk of losing funding due to the government shutdown.

Key Takeaways:

  • 49 House members, including Rep. Maggie Goodlander, have signed a letter demanding that Speaker Mike Johnson bring the House back to session to fund WIC.
  • The program serves nearly 7 million pregnant women, new parents, and young children, and provides essential resources such as healthy foods, nutrition education, and breastfeeding support.
  • Without funding, 41% of American infants who are served by WIC are at risk of going hungry.
  • The letter was led by Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01), and stressed the urgent need to put politics aside and protect WIC for mothers and children.
  • The House has been out of session for over a month, allowing partisan politics to dictate the government shutdown.
  • Democrats have repeatedly returned to Washington to negotiate to end the shutdown, while Republicans have refused to negotiate to protect health care and maintain access to vital federal resources.

Statistics:

  • The WIC program serves nearly 7 million pregnant women, new parents, and young children.
  • 41% of American infants are served by WIC.
  • The House has been out of session for over a month.
  • The government shutdown has put WIC recipients in danger of losing critical resources.

Sources:

  • Goodlander.house.gov/media/press-releases/goodlander-calls-on-speaker-johnson-to-bring-the-house-back-to-fund-food-assistance/