WASHINGTON, DC—On September 1, the U.S. House passed a continuing resolution (CR) extending government funding through December 11, 2026. The measure passed with broad bipartisan support in both the House and Senate and is expected to be signed by the President, avoiding another government shutdown when the current fiscal year ends later this month.
The CR includes spending flexibilities for WIC to ensure that every eligible family seeking services can continue to participate. However, Congress must still pass a full-year FY27 agriculture appropriations bill to give providers and families long-term certainty. The measure also fails to grant permanent authority for WIC’s flexible service delivery. In the meantime, USDA has indicated that it will allow virtual services to continue.
The following is a statement from Georgia Machell, president and CEO of the National WIC Association (NWA):
“We are relieved to see bipartisan actions to keep the government funded and welcome this strong reaffirmation of full WIC funding and the rejection of any attempts to cut WIC funding. We urge Congress to continue that bipartisan collaborative effort when passing the FY27 appropriations bill.
“NWA continues to push for Congress to make virtual services permanent in the spending bill as well. For working parents, rural families, and those without transportation, virtual access can be a lifeline. It connects families with healthy food, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and trusted WIC staff without forcing them to choose between an appointment and the demands of work or caregiving.
“When families can access WIC, they thrive. And Congress can make sure that happens for good. It has shown bipartisan resolve on WIC before. Now it must finish the job by making virtual services permanent and ensuring that every family has access to the nutrition support they need to give their children the healthiest possible start."