Government Shutdown Threatens Nutritional Assistance for 7 Million Low-Income Women and Children
The looming threat of a government shutdown in the United States poses a risk to the nutritional assistance of nearly 7 million low-income women and children. U.S. Agriculture Secretary, Tom Vilsack, raised concerns that if Congress fails to provide funding for the fiscal year starting October 1, some benefits could be affected within days or weeks.
One of the programs at particular risk is the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), which serves as a lifeline for numerous participants. Vilsack highlighted that the vast majority of WIC beneficiaries would see an immediate reduction in benefits, with further cuts occurring in the days and weeks following a government shutdown. Another essential benefits program, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), is expected to continue as normal for October but may face potential disruptions thereafter.
Secretary Vilsack emphasized the detrimental consequences of a shutdown on vulnerable populations, stating, If we have a shutdown, WIC shuts down. For what reason? There’s no reason for this shutdown, at the end of the day. The impact of such a shutdown would be devastating, particularly as inflation has already strained household budgets, with increased prices for essential goods like bread, fresh vegetables, and baby formula since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The importance of WIC cannot be understated, as close to half of all newborns in the United States rely on this program. However, it’s not just nutritional assistance that would be affected. Vilsack highlighted that farm service agencies would halt loans to farmers during harvest time, and potential homebuyers in rural areas would face difficulties obtaining loans. Additionally, more than 50,000 Department of Agriculture workers would be furloughed, leaving them without a paycheck.
The debate over government funding largely hinges on the Republican-controlled House of Representatives, which may push for significant spending cuts. However, these cuts are unlikely to become law, and if pursued, they could result in a partial government shutdown by the following Sunday. The House is set to consider several spending bills for the upcoming fiscal year, which contain controversial provisions such as new restrictions on abortion access, undoing a Biden administration climate initiative worth $11 billion, and resuming construction of the Mexico-U.S. border wall, originally championed by former President Donald Trump. President Biden has vowed to veto at least two of these bills.
Vilsack criticized the Republican fiscal plans, labeling them punitive and petty. The potential consequences of a government shutdown are serious, as they would adversely impact millions of Americans who rely on crucial food benefits to make ends meet. It remains to be seen how Congress will navigate this impasse and ensure the continuity of vital programs, particularly those that support the most vulnerable in society.
(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
