H.R.1464 - More Options to Develop and Enhance Remote Nutrition in WIC Act of 2025; MODERN WIC Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 1464, the MODERN WIC Act of 2025, aims to amend the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 to modernize the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). The bill focuses on permitting video or telephone certifications and recertifications, as well as enabling remote benefit issuance. It also mandates a report to Congress on the use of remote technologies within the WIC program.
Expected Effects
The bill will likely increase accessibility to the WIC program by allowing remote certifications and benefit delivery. This could lead to higher enrollment and better nutritional outcomes for eligible women, infants, and children. The required report will provide data to further refine and improve the program's remote service delivery.
Potential Benefits
- Increased accessibility to WIC services, particularly for those in rural areas or with transportation challenges.
- Reduced administrative burden on WIC participants through remote certification and benefit issuance.
- Improved nutritional outcomes for women, infants, and children due to increased program participation.
- Enhanced program efficiency through the use of technology.
- Better data collection and analysis on the effectiveness of remote WIC services.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for fraud or abuse due to reduced in-person contact.
- Possible technological barriers for some eligible individuals who lack access to reliable internet or video conferencing equipment.
- Risk of reduced data accuracy if anthropometric data collection is not effectively implemented in remote settings.
- Increased burden on state agencies to implement and manage remote services effectively.
- Potential for decreased personal interaction and support for participants.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Constitution's general welfare clause, as it aims to improve the health and nutrition of vulnerable populations. Specifically, the bill does not infringe upon any explicitly stated rights or limitations outlined in the Constitution or its amendments. The bill's focus on improving access to nutrition aligns with the broader goal of promoting the general welfare as stated in the preamble.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).