Frank Pallone: “Tomorrow the Republican leadership will have a chance to redeem itself and prove they are for America's children. A few…”

“Tomorrow the Republican leadership will have a chance to redeem itself and prove they are for America's children. A few weeks ago in the Committee on Appropriations, Republicans largely voted to gut the women, infants and children's WIC nutrition program. Republican leaders denied the nutrition needs of approximately 880,000 at-risk children by not supporting the full funding request that was made by all 50 Governors and the administration. Republican extremists are arguing that WIC does not need full funding. They would rather deny children their nutrition needs than make up the $38 million shortfall. Mr. Speaker, many religious and antihunger advocates such as Catholic Charities, U.S.A., have written me citing that WIC is effective, efficient, and cost-beneficial. They are urging Congress to be compassionate to children, and meet their needs. Mr. Speaker, let us do the right thing and get our priorities straight as we go into the budget process. In order to accomplish that, we need to fully fund the WIC Program.”