WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the U.S. Senate passed its version of the budget reconciliation package, known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. While the legislation differs from the House-passed proposal in some respects, it shares the same concerning outcome: reduced support for families who rely on vital health and nutrition programs. The bill will now head to the House for final consideration.
The following is a statement from Georgia Machell, President and CEO of the National WIC Association:
“We are deeply disappointed by the Senate’s passage of a budget reconciliation package that significantly undermines support for families’ basic needs, including nutrition assistance and health care. These policy decisions ultimately make it harder for families to access essential programs like WIC.
“Though some details may differ from the initial House proposal, the result is the same — more American families will struggle to access nutritious foods, and many will face impossible choices between paying for medical care or putting food on the table.
“While WIC is not directly cut in this package, the program does not operate in a vacuum. Adjunctive eligibility for WIC is tied to participation in Medicaid and SNAP. Any policies that restrict access to those programs will, in turn, create additional barriers to WIC enrollment.
“We urge Congress to reconsider these harmful provisions and protect the full spectrum of supports that families need to thrive.”
Read our policy brief to learn more about how the One Big Beautiful Bill could affect WIC access and participation.