The U.S. House of Representatives has approved a fiscal 2025 appropriations bill that cuts $200 million from the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), including a $141 million reduction in the fruit and vegetable benefit. The legislation, passed with four Democratic votes alongside most Republicans, now heads to the Senate, where its fate is uncertain. According to the source article, President Donald Trump has indicated he would sign the bill if it reaches his desk.

$141 million fruit and vegetable benefit cut: The core of the bill

The most targeted reduction in the House bill is a $141 million cut to WIC's fresh produce vouchers and electronic benefits.. According to the National WIC Association, as cited by the source, this represents roughly a 10% reduction in the fruit and vegetable benefit. The cut comes at a time when food inflation continues to strain household budgets, and follows previous reductions to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) signed into law last year. The source article notes that the cuts are part of a broader appropriations package funding the U.S. Department of Agriculture and other agencies.

Nearly 5.4 million participants face reduced vouchers

Advocates and Democratic lawmakers argue the cuts will directly harm approximately 5.4 million low-income mothers, infants, and children who rely on WIC. Representative Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut, the top Democrat on the House Appropriations Committee, condemned the vote, stating it makes it harder for working mothers to feed their families. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has described WIC as one of the most successful federally funded nutrition programs, designed to align with dietary guidelines encouraging higher fruit and vegetable consumption. The source article reports that the National WIC Association warned that the proposal would force WIC to turn away eligible families for the first time in three decades,breaking a long-standing bipartisan commitment to full funding.

A 75% deeper cut the White House still wants

While the House bill represents a $200 million reduction, the report states that the White House has previously sought a much deeper cut of up to 75% to the fruit and vegetable benefit in its own budget proposal. The National WIC Association characterized the House bill as a preliminary step toward that larger reduction. Critics note that the House vote aligns with the Trump administration's fiscal priorities but does not go as far as the president's requested reductions. This legislative action signals a sustained effort to reduce federal nutrition aid despite concerns about food security and rising grocery costs, according to the source.

What the Senate’s uncertain path means for WIC families

The bill now moves to the Senate, where its future is uncertain . key open questions remain: Will the Senate modify the cuts, restore funding, or reject the bill entirely? The source article does not specify whether any senators have publicly committed to supporting or opposing the cuts. Additionally, the White House has indicated President Trump would sign the bill, but if the Senate alters it significantly, the final version could face a veto or be stalled. The timing of the Senate’s consideration is also unclear, leaving the 5.4 million WIC participants in a period of uncertainty about their benefits.