119-HR-5836 Journalist Public Summary

Headline Summary

A short, bipartisan House bill would keep WIC benefits flowing during any government shutdown this fiscal year and reimburse states that fronted money to keep the program open. [1]Congress.gov / GPO — Bill Text: H.R. 5836 (IH) — Keep WIC Working Act (Oct. 28,…

What It Does

The Keep WIC Working Act (H.R. 5836) temporarily funds the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) during any lapse in USDA’s FY2026 appropriations, using “such sums as are necessary.” It also repays states for WIC costs they covered between September 30, 2025 and the bill’s enactment, and the stopgap ends once regular FY2026 USDA funding (or a continuing resolution) is enacted. [1]Congress.gov / GPO — Bill Text: H.R. 5836 (IH) — Keep WIC Working Act (Oct. 28,…

Why it matters: WIC serves over 6 million people and has faced shutdown-related funding strain; the Administration recently sent a one-time $300 million to help states bridge the gap, but advocates warn that without congressional action, services could still face disruptions. [3]Associated Press — AP: WIC program receives $300M to keep running during govern…[4]National WIC Association — National WIC Association: Statement on shutdown—WIC…

Who’s For It

• Sponsors: Reps. Robert Bresnahan (R‑PA), Zachary Nunn (R‑IA), and Brian Fitzpatrick (R‑PA). [2]Congress.gov — All Information (Except Text) for H.R. 5836 — Keep WIC Working A…
• Anti-hunger advocates broadly urge Congress to ensure uninterrupted WIC access during shutdowns, a goal this bill addresses (statement not a formal endorsement of this specific bill). [4]National WIC Association — National WIC Association: Statement on shutdown—WIC…

Who’s Against It

• No formal opposition noted yet; the bill was just introduced and has not had hearings or votes. [2]Congress.gov — All Information (Except Text) for H.R. 5836 — Keep WIC Working A…
• Some lawmakers favor a different approach—making WIC mandatory to avoid future shutdown risks—rather than piecemeal stopgaps. [5]The Guardian — The Guardian: Democrats propose making WIC funding mandatory ami…

What’s Next

As of October 30, 2025, H.R. 5836 has been introduced and referred to the House Appropriations Committee; it would need committee action, House and Senate passage, and the President’s signature to become law. [2]Congress.gov — All Information (Except Text) for H.R. 5836 — Keep WIC Working A…

Tone

Neutral and plain-language: this summary explains what the bill does, why it matters for families and states, who’s lining up for or proposing alternatives, and where the bill stands now. (No endorsement.)