Defend vital programs for vulnerable children and families.

The Trump administration's proposed budget cuts are unacceptable and harmful to America's most vulnerable children. Slashing funding for vital programs like WIC, housing assistance, and early childhood education would deprive millions of children and families of essential resources for healthy development and future success. Reducing the WIC fruit and vegetable benefits from $54 to $13 for pregnant mothers and from $27 to $10 for young children undermines proper nutrition during critical growth stages. Research shows WIC reduces healthcare costs, improves academic achievement, and prevents infant mortality and low birth weight. Cutting this program takes healthy food off children's plates. Similarly, the proposed $26.7 billion (42%) cut to rental assistance programs like Housing Choice Vouchers and Section 8 would leave millions of families with children homeless or unstable housing. Over 5 million children currently rely on these programs because rising rents have outpaced income growth. Stable housing is essential for child wellbeing. Eliminating Preschool Development Grants, which provide $315 million to help states improve early childhood education access and quality, is also misguided. Early learning opportunities help prepare children for future success in school and life. Even Republican governors have praised this program's impact. These draconian cuts to SNAP, WIC, housing, and education assistance ignore data showing their effectiveness in supporting healthy child development and economic mobility for America's poorest families. Prioritizing tax cuts over investing in our most vulnerable children is extremely shortsighted and morally reprehensible. I urge you to reject these harmful budget proposals and uphold our nation's commitment to giving every child a fair chance to thrive.