01 — The Text
What.
- Doubles breastfeeding women's WIC eligibility from 1 year to 2 years after birth.
- Doubles postpartum women's WIC eligibility from 6 months to 2 years after pregnancy ends.
- Requires USDA to study program's effects on maternal health, infant health, and breastfeeding rates.
02 — The Stakes
So what?
- New mothers get longer access to WIC food benefits during critical early parenting years.
- Low-income families see extended nutritional support when they're most vulnerable financially and healthwise.
- States choose whether to implement longer eligibility—not all will offer the maximum 24 months.
03 — The Path
Now what?
- Bill introduced in Senate March 2026, referred to Agriculture Committee. Awaiting committee hearings and vote.
- USDA must report findings to Congress before program effects are fully known.
- Contact your senators to support or oppose if you care about maternal nutrition assistance.
Legislative History
Actions.
- Mar 25, 2026 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
- Mar 25, 2026 — Introduced in Senate