The Democratic Staff of the Joint Economic Committee has prepared the following estimates of the number of parents and children who could lose benefits in each Congressional District. The looming Republican-led government shutdown will jeopardize funding for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), which helps nearly 7 million women and children afford nutritious food. Without additional funding, WIC benefits could start running out in some states within 7 days of a government shutdown, threatening vital benefits that help millions of families put food on the table.

Washington, D.C.—Today, Senator Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Chairman of the U.S. Congress Joint Economic Committee (JEC), released the following statement ahead of the Federal Reserve’s decision on whether to raise federal interest rates.

In the last two years, the Biden administration and Democrats in Congress have taken historic action to address the climate crisis by increasing investments in the clean energy industry. Investments in the Inflation Reduction Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law have increased the demand for workers who can fill roles in a range of clean energy occupations, from manufacturing workers building wind turbines or solar panels to HVAC installers putting in heat pumps. This need creates an opportunity for millions of Americans to start stable careers they can build a family around that do not require a four-year college degree. In addition, new investments in clean energy infrastructure present an opportunity to more intentionally employ women and people of color in the energy sector and the skilled building trades where they have been historically underrepresented.

Latinos in the United States come from a wide range of backgrounds and contribute significantly to the economies within their home states, cities and towns across the nation. Policies that truly support Hispanics in the U.S. recognize their range of experiences, the contributions they have made, and the challenges many still face in striving for success for themselves, their families, and future generations. From moving the country forward in science, the arts, law and economics, to serving in the U.S. military, promoting labor rights, and working on the front lines of healthcare and essential services, Latino talent, dedication, and determination has helped drive American progress.

The American Rescue Plan, Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act of 2020, and the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSA) of 2021 provided critical support for the child care industry and, by extension, all parents and guardians who rely on it. However much of this funding is expiring at the end of September 2023. Additional long-term funding is needed to increase the wages paid to child care workers, increase the number of child care staff, ensure sufficient child care availability, and reduce the high cost of care for parents who work.