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Congress·In Committee·19 days ago

Senate Bill Would Let WIC Families Sign Up via Phone or Video, Skip Office Visits

Also known as: 21st Century WIC Act of 2026

Legislative Progress

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Impact Analysis

Scores: 1 = low, 5 = highSentiment: -5 to +5 (net benefit)

Key Points

  • This bill allows people to sign up for WIC through phone calls or video chats instead of having to visit an office in person. Applicants can choose the format that works best for them, including in-person, phone, or video options.
  • To make getting help faster, the bill lets states give families food benefits immediately if they meet income rules. The required health checks, like measuring height and weight, can be finished up to 90 days after the remote appointment.
  • State agencies would be allowed to mail WIC benefit cards or send them electronically. This removes the requirement for parents to travel to a local office just to pick up their food vouchers or EBT cards.
  • The Department of Agriculture must study how these digital tools affect the program. They will look at whether families are more satisfied and how to keep participant data safe while using new technology.
HealthcareTechnology DigitalAgriculture

Milestones

2 milestones2 actions
Feb 11, 2026Senate

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.

Feb 11, 2026

Introduced in Senate

What Happens Next

Projected impacts based on AI analysis

Within 1 year of enactment

USDA report on remote technology use in WIC due to Congress

Within one year of enactment, the Department of Agriculture must report on how remote tools are being used, whether families are satisfied, and best practices for data security. This report could shape future WIC modernization efforts.

Related News

3 articles
Sun Community News·16 days ago

Gillibrand looks to modernize WIC program

Senators Kirsten Gillibrand and Roger Marshall introduced the 21st Century WIC Act to modernize the program. The bill allows participants to complete certification via phone or video and receive EBT cards by mail, reducing barriers like transportation and time off work.

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KCLY Radio·13 days ago

Bipartisan Bill Aims to Modernize WIC with Remote Certification and Stronger Oversight

The 21st Century WIC Act, introduced by Senators Marshall and Gillibrand, would codify waivers allowing remote certification and benefit issuance. It maintains a requirement for one in-person visit for health screenings while using technology to improve access for rural families.

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Quiver Quantitative·18 days ago

Senators Marshall & Gillibrand Reintroduce 21st Century WIC Act to Modernize Access, Protect Program Integrity

Bipartisan legislation introduced in the Senate aims to modernize WIC by allowing secure phone or video appointments for certification. The bill seeks to reduce the 'hardship' of repeated trips to government offices, especially for rural families, while maintaining program integrity.

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Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

21st Century WIC Act of 2026

Bill NumberS 3842
Congress119th Congress
ChamberSenate
Latest ActionRead twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.

Sponsor

Cosponsors

(1)
D: 1

Analysis generated by AI. While we strive for accuracy, this should not be considered legal or professional advice. Always verify information with official government sources.