On May 18, the House Education and the Workforce Committee passed, 20-14, H.R. 5033, the Improving Child Nutrition and Education Act, sponsored by Rep. Todd Rokita (R-IN).
Among other provisions, the bill would reauthorize for five years the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) at the current level. In FY2016, WIC received $6.35 billion.
The bill would exclude child support payments when determining eligibility for WIC. The measure would ensure that all pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding participants, as well as parents and caretakers, receive information on the proper disposal of unused or excess infant formula, and the penalties associated with gifting, trading, selling, or reselling formula.
The Government Accountability Office would be required to study how adjunctive eligibility through Medicaid affects WIC participation and costs.
