[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 108 (Wednesday, June 21, 2023)]
[House]
[Page H3002]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    CUTS TO WIC ARE ESPECIALLY CRUEL

  (Mr. McGOVERN asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. McGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, Republicans have said time and time again 
that they don't want to hurt pregnant mothers and young children, but 
they did just that with the FY 2024 agriculture spending bill that they 
advanced out of the House Appropriations Committee last week.
  The Republican bill slashes WIC funding by $185 million from the 
current funding level and guts WIC's extra fruit and vegetable benefits 
for 5 million pregnant and postpartum moms and young children.
  It is the first time ever that WIC has been intentionally 
underfunded. At a time when many families are still dealing with 
pandemic-caused inflation, these cuts are especially cruel. I am 
appalled that Republicans' idea of fiscal responsibility is taking 
healthy food away from pregnant moms and kids under 5. Seriously?
  Mr. Speaker, let's not forget that Republicans also tried to cut 
Meals on Wheels and WIC in their original debt ceiling bill, and they 
have a bill to kick moms with young children and seniors off of SNAP.
  Taking food away from the most vulnerable is completely heartless. It 
is shameful, and we are going to fight these cuts.

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