IMPROVEMENTS TO WIC BENEFITS.

SEC. 1105. [42 U.S.C. 1786 note] IMPROVEMENTS TO WIC BENEFITS. (a) Definitions.—In this section: (1) Applicable period.—The term “applicable period” means a period— (A) beginning after the date of enactment of this Act, as selected by a State agency; and (B) ending not later than the earlier of— (i) 4 months after the date described in subparagraph (A); or (ii) September 30, 2021. (2) Cash-value voucher.—The term “cash-value voucher” has the meaning given the term in section 246.2 of title 7, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on the date of the enactment of this Act). (3) Program.—The term “program” means the special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and children established by section 17 of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1786). (4) Qualified food package.—The term “qualified food package” means each of the following food packages (as defined in section 246.10(e) of title 7, Code of Federal Regulations (as in effect on the date of the enactment of this Act)): (A) Food package III-Participants with qualifying conditions. (B) Food Package IV-Children 1 through 4 years. (C) Food Package V-Pregnant and partially (mostly) breastfeeding women. (D) Food Package VI-Postpartum women. (E) Food Package VII-Fully breastfeeding. (5) Secretary.—The term “Secretary” means the Secretary of Agriculture. (6) State agency.—The term “State agency” has the meaning given the term in section 17(b) of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1786(b)). (b) Authority to Increase Amount of Cash-value Voucher.—During the public health emergency declared by the Secretary of Health and Human Services under section 319 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 247d) on January 31, 2020, with respect to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), and in response to challenges relating to that public health emergency, the Secretary may, in carrying out the program, increase the amount of a cash-value voucher under a qualified food package to an amount that is less than or equal to $35. (c) Application of Increased Amount of Cash-value Voucher to State Agencies.— (1) Notification.—An increase to the amount of a cash-value voucher under subsection (b) shall apply to any State agency that notifies the Secretary of— (A) the intent to use that increased amount, without further application; and (B) the applicable period selected by the State agency during which that increased amount shall apply. (2) Use of increased amount.—A State agency that makes a notification to the Secretary under paragraph (1) shall use the increased amount described in that paragraph— (A) during the applicable period described in that notification; and (B) only during a single applicable period. (d) Sunset.—The authority of the Secretary under subsection (b), and the authority of a State agency to increase the amount of a cash-value voucher under subsection (c), shall terminate on September 30, 2021. (e) Funding.—In addition to amounts otherwise made available, there is appropriated to the Secretary, out of funds in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, $490,000,000 to carry out this section, to remain available until September 30, 2022.