WASHINGTON – Congressman Tim Griffin (AR-02) issued the following statement regarding his ongoing effort to reopen the federal government:
“From the beginning, I have opposed the government shutdown, and I continue to work with my colleagues – both Republicans and Democrats – to find a plan that will get the government running again. Today, the House will pass a bill that ensures low-income families see no interruption in their WIC nutritional support. I am also proud to support a bill that ensures we’re able to respond to national emergencies and natural disasters. State officials should demand the Senate act on these bills immediately.
“It should be noted that the National WIC Association has taken the bizarre stance of opposing the WIC funding bill because it doesn’t fund the entire government? That’s astounding when you consider that appropriations bills are ‘piecemeal’ and are the proper and historical way to fund government. This is just another example of a Washington special interest group putting partisan politics over the very people they claim to care for.”
The House is expected to pass the Nutrition Assistance for Low-Income Women and Children Act (H.J.Res. 75), which provides funding for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (commonly known as WIC). This program is designed to assist low-income pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and children up to age five. According to the USDA, the WIC Program can continue to operate using contingency and carryover funds until late October. This legislation would ensure the program is funded until a full Continuing Resolution can be signed into law.
Earlier today, the House passed the National Emergency and Disaster Recovery Act (H.J.Res. 85), which provides essential funding for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in order to keep current staffing levels while ensuring that the agency reduces administrative expenses. FEMA disaster payments do not cease during the government shutdown.
