Rep. McBath Introduces Bill to Extend WIC Food Benefits for New Moms to Two Years
This bill is currently in the early stages of the legislative process after being sent to the House Committee on Education and Workforce. It is actively moving through the system, but no future votes or hearings have been scheduled yet. There is no companion bill mentioned for this legislation.
Part of: story →While the bill has many supporters, they are all from one party. It will likely face opposition because of the cost and lack of bipartisan support.
New mothers who qualify for WIC would receive food assistance for up to 24 months after giving birth, up from 6 months for non-breastfeeding moms and 12 months for breastfeeding moms. This provides a longer safety net during a financially and physically demanding period, helping families afford nutritious food while caring for a young child.
“Section 17(b)(10) of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1786(b)(10)) is amended by striking ``six months'' and inserting ``24 months''.”
Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
Introduced in House
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.
In an interview, Senator Alsobrooks discusses her legislative priorities, including the introduction of the Extending WIC for New Moms Act. She emphasizes the bill's goal to ensure mothers and pregnant women have access to nutrition and care for up to two years after childbirth.
Senators Alsobrooks and Blumenthal, alongside Rep. McBath, introduced a bicameral bill to extend WIC eligibility for new mothers. The legislation expands postpartum coverage from six to 24 months and breastfeeding support from 12 to 24 months to improve maternal and infant health outcomes.
The bill aims to support mothers and infants by extending WIC eligibility to 24 months postpartum. Senator Blumenthal noted that lack of access to nutritious food has serious impacts on development, calling the extension a 'commonsense step' to improve health and advance birth equity.
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Extending WIC for New Moms Act
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