Period PROUD (Providing Resources for Our Underserved and Disadvantaged) Act of 2025
- Bill Number
- H.R. 922
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Health
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-02-04: Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on the Budget, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Last Updated
- 2025-12-03T09:06:33Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose of the Legislation
The Period PROUD (Providing Resources for Our Underserved and Disadvantaged) Act of 2025 aims to address "period poverty" by increasing access to menstrual products (such as pads, tampons, cups, and underwear) for low-income individuals who face barriers to obtaining them. It does this by providing targeted federal funding through the existing Social Services Block Grant (SSBG) program, which helps states and other groups deliver social services.
Key Provisions
- Funding Increase and Allocation:
- Boosts the overall SSBG funding to $1.9 billion annually for fiscal years (FY) 2025 through 2028.
- Dedicates $200 million per year (adjusted for reservations) specifically for menstrual product initiatives, with appropriations of $200 million annually for FY 2026 through 2029 from general Treasury funds.
- Reserves up to 2% of these funds each year for technical assistance, training, and program administration through qualified nonprofit organizations (501(c)(3) entities with experience in distributing basic needs like food or diapers).
- Reserves up to $2 million in FY 2026 for an independent evaluation of the program's effectiveness.
- Distribution and Use of Funds:
- States must consult stakeholders (e.g., agencies, nonprofits) and distribute funds to eligible entities, such as state/local governments, Indian tribes, or nonprofits experienced in community aid.
- Funds can be used to:
- Provide free menstrual products to low-income people.
- Conduct outreach to boost participation in distribution programs.
- Improve overall access for low-income families and communities.
- Integrate with other aid programs, like Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Medicaid, Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), WIC (nutrition for women and children), or home visiting services.
- Offer training/technical assistance and cover administrative costs (limited to 9% of funds).
- No restrictions on where products can be distributed (e.g., schools, shelters, or community centers).
- Funds must supplement, not replace, existing federal, state, or private funding.
- Distributed funds can be spent in the current FY or the next one; evaluation funds are available until September 30, 2028.
- Reporting and Oversight:
- States must submit annual reports on fund use, similar to existing SSBG requirements.
- The Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) must issue guidance within 180 days of enactment on eligible entities, fund uses, and reporting.
- HHS will evaluate the program's impact (e.g., on health risks from lack of products) by December 30, 2031, submit a report to Congress by March 31, 2032, and publish results online by April 30, 2032.
- Aid from this program won't count toward eligibility or benefit amounts in other federal needs-based programs (e.g., it won't reduce food stamps or welfare).
- Definitions and Administration:
- "Menstrual products" include items meeting industry safety standards.
- "Eligible entities" are those with proven experience in aid distribution, data collection, and information sharing.
- Authorizes up to $6 million for HHS administration in FY 2026–2029.
- Funds are exempt from automatic budget cuts (sequestration) under the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Amends the Social Security Act (Title XX, SSBG) by increasing baseline funding and creating a new earmark for menstrual products, which was not previously specified.
- Introduces rules for targeted distribution, reservations for nonprofits and evaluation, and integration with other programs like TANF and Medicaid—expanding SSBG's flexible use without altering core eligibility rules.
- Adds evaluation and reporting mandates specific to this initiative, while ensuring no supplantation of existing funds.
Potential Impacts
- On Citizens: Low-income menstruating individuals (especially women, girls, and underserved communities) gain better access to essential hygiene products, potentially reducing health issues like infections or school/work absences due to unmet needs. Families won't face penalties in other aid programs.
- On Government Agencies: HHS gains administrative responsibilities (guidance, evaluation) with modest funding; states receive more SSBG dollars but must prioritize menstrual aid and report usage, increasing coordination with nonprofits and tribes.
- On International Relations: No direct impact, as this is a domestic social welfare program focused on U.S. states and territories.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Primary Beneficiaries: Low-income menstruating individuals and families, including those in rural, urban, or tribal areas facing product shortages.
- Distributors and Implementers: States, local governments, Indian tribes/tribal organizations, and qualified nonprofits (e.g., those handling food banks or diaper drives).
- Oversight Entities: HHS (for guidance and evaluation) and congressional committees (Energy and Commerce, Ways and Means in the House; Finance in the Senate).
- Supporting Groups: Professional associations, community organizations, and researchers involved in stakeholder consultations or data sharing.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Strengthens SSBG's role in addressing basic needs without creating new entitlements; the supplantation ban and benefit disregard clause prevent conflicts with existing welfare laws. Exemption from sequestration ensures stable funding amid budget pressures.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's spending power under Article I (taxing and spending for general welfare); no First Amendment or equal protection issues, as it promotes equity for underserved groups without discrimination.
- Political: Advances social equity by tackling a public health gap often called "period poverty," potentially building bipartisan support for women's health initiatives. Could set precedent for earmarking block grants for specific needs, influencing future welfare debates, but may face scrutiny over added federal spending in a tight budget environment.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (32)
Rep. Meng, Grace [D-NY-6], Rep. Stansbury, Melanie A. [D-NM-1], Rep. Velázquez, Nydia M. [D-NY-7], Rep. Dean, Madeleine [D-PA-4], Rep. Cherfilus-McCormick, Sheila [D-FL-20], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Moore, Gwen [D-WI-4], Rep. Sherrill, Mikie [D-NJ-11], Rep. Grijalva, Raúl M. [D-AZ-7], Rep. Watson Coleman, Bonnie [D-NJ-12], Rep. Torres, Ritchie [D-NY-15], Rep. Meeks, Gregory W. [D-NY-5], Rep. Gottheimer, Josh [D-NJ-5], Rep. McIver, LaMonica [D-NJ-10], Rep. Johnson, Henry C. "Hank" [D-GA-4], Rep. Tonko, Paul [D-NY-20], Rep. Jayapal, Pramila [D-WA-7], Rep. Wasserman Schultz, Debbie [D-FL-25], Rep. Clarke, Yvette D. [D-NY-9], Rep. Tokuda, Jill N. [D-HI-2], Rep. Hayes, Jahana [D-CT-5], Rep. McBath, Lucy [D-GA-6], Rep. Crockett, Jasmine [D-TX-30], Rep. Budzinski, Nikki [D-IL-13], Rep. Schakowsky, Janice D. [D-IL-9], Rep. Lee, Summer L. [D-PA-12], Rep. García, Jesús G. "Chuy" [D-IL-4], Rep. Cohen, Steve [D-TN-9], Rep. Elfreth, Sarah [D-MD-3], Rep. Tlaib, Rashida [D-MI-12], Rep. Nadler, Jerrold [D-NY-12], Rep. Williams, Nikema [D-GA-5]
Recent Actions
- 2025-02-04: Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on the Budget, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2025-02-04: Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Committee on the Budget, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2025-02-04: Introduced in House
- 2025-02-04: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Period PROUD (Providing Resources for Our Underserved and Disadvantaged) Act of 2025 — issued 2025-02-04 — PDF (11 pages)