House Approves Bill Cutting Food Aid for Low-Income Women and Children
The U.S. House of Representatives has passed a Republican-led spending bill that proposes cuts to the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). The bill, approved by a narrow 213-210 vote, aims to reduce funding for WIC, which provides food assistance to low-income pregnant women, new mothers, and young children. The proposed legislation would cut approximately $141 million from benefits used by about 5.4 million children, pregnant women, and postpartum mothers. The bill also seeks to reduce the value of these benefits by around 10 percent. Proponents argue that the program is sufficiently funded, citing declining participation and increased carryover funding. However, opponents, including some Democrats, argue that the cuts would harm vulnerable populations, especially as grocery costs remain high. 
