(TSN): When money is moved around in the government, some of the most crucial social programs are lost in the shuffle. In the current budget battle the full funding of WIC, a free nutrition program for women, infant and children, is lacking.
The Biden Administration included $6.3 million for WIC in its annual budget anticipating an increase in applicants in 2024. The head of the Department of Agriculture said in a regional briefing with the press that if WIC is not fully funded for the full year instead of as a part of a CR (continuing resolution) in Congress, it is likely that states will start placing people on waiting lists. Breast-feeding mothers and their babies could suffer the most. And, since WIC also gives those in need access to additional education and health resources, its absence could be detrimental for millions who depend on it.
The U.S. Delegation, led by Ambassador Troy Fitrell , Senior Bureau Official for African Affairs, included the senior-most officials advancing U.S. commercial engagement across Africa: Massad Boulos , Senior Advisor for Africa Thomas Hardy , Acting Director, U.S. Trade and Development Agency Constance Hamilton , Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for Africa Connor Coleman , Head of Investments and Chief of Staff, U.S. International Development Finance Corporation Tamara Maxwell , Senior Vice President for Small Business, Export-Import Bank of the United States The record turnout made clear that both U.S. and African leaders share a strong commitment to significantly expanding trade and investment. The U.S. objective at the Summit was to secure key deals and commitments for U.S. companies and establish the conditions to boost U.S. exports and investment in Africa — advancing mutual prosperity in line with the Trump Administration’s Commercial Diploma...