A narrowly approved House spending bill has sparked criticism after four Democratic representatives voted alongside Republicans to pass legislation that includes significant reductions to federal nutrition assistance.The measure, which funds the Department of Agriculture and other federal agencies, passed the House by a 213-210 vote.

Among its provisions is a $141 million reduction affecting the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program, which provides nutritional support, including fruit and vegetable benefits, to low-income pregnant women, mothers, infants, and young children.

The Democrats who supported the bill were Representatives Donald Davis of North Carolina, Adam Gray of California, Vicente Gonzalez of Texas, and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez of Washington.Their votes were crucial because the legislation would not have passed without their support.

The decision drew attention from political observers and commentators, particularly because Democrats have generally opposed cuts to social assistance programs.

According to reporting cited in the article, three of the lawmakers—Gray, Gonzalez, and Gluesenkamp Perez—belong to the moderate-to-conservative Blue Dog Coalition, while Perez has previously broken with her party on several votes.

Critics questioned why these lawmakers supported reductions to a program serving women and children during a period of economic pressure and rising food costs.

Concerns were also raised that demand for WIC benefits could increase in the coming months, potentially making the funding reduction more impactful for beneficiaries.

The article focuses on the political controversy surrounding the vote and the potential consequences for families who rely on federal nutrition assistance programs.