Overview
Title
To provide targeted funding for States and other eligible entities through the Social Services Block Grant program to increase the availability of menstrual products for individuals with limited access to such products.
ELI5 AI
H.R. 922 wants to make sure everyone can get menstrual products, like pads and tampons, by giving money to groups that help people who can't access them easily. It's like giving schools money to buy crayons for kids who don't have them at home.
Summary AI
H.R. 922 is a bill introduced in the 119th Congress aimed at improving access to menstrual products for individuals who have limited access to them. The bill proposes targeted funding through the Social Services Block Grant program to increase the availability of these products, specifically focusing on assisting low-income communities. It includes provisions for funding allocations to eligible entities, like nonprofit organizations and local governments, to purchase and distribute these products. The bill also outlines evaluation and reporting requirements to assess the effectiveness of the distribution and impact on health risks related to unmet menstrual product needs.
Published
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AnalysisAI
The proposed legislation, titled the “Period PROUD (Providing Resources for Our Underserved and Disadvantaged) Act of 2025,” seeks to address the lack of access to menstrual products for individuals in low-income situations through the allocation of federal funds. Introduced in the House of Representatives, this bill would leverage the Social Services Block Grant Program to provide targeted financial aid to states and qualified entities. The aim is to distribute menstrual products for free to those who need them most, thereby reducing health risks associated with inadequate menstruation hygiene.
Summary of Significant Issues
One of the key issues associated with the bill is the sizable annual allocation of $200 million from 2026 to 2029. While this funding intends to address an essential need, there is a concern about the effective monitoring and accountability of such a large sum to prevent misuse or inefficient spending.
Moreover, the bill emphasizes partnerships with nonprofit organizations experienced in distributing basic necessities. This focus may inadvertently exclude for-profit or innovative startups that could potentially offer efficient product distribution solutions.
The bill also mandates that funds be used to supplement and not replace existing funding, but the language surrounding what constitutes a "supplement" remains somewhat ambiguous. This could lead to confusion or misuse if not clearly defined. Additionally, the administrative cap imposed on eligible entities, which allows up to 9% of funds to cover such costs, may still be on the higher side without detailed justification.
Another concern is the limitation on fund availability, with allocations restricted to the fiscal year of receipt or the following year, potentially challenging the management of procurement and logistics.
Potential Impacts on the Public
The proposed legislation has the potential to significantly benefit low-income individuals by ameliorating the often-overlooked issue of menstrual product access. By providing these items for free, the bill could improve public health, increase dignity, and enhance well-being for underserved populations. This measure would particularly assist school-aged children, decreasing anxieties related to managing menstruation in public settings and thereby likely improving school attendance.
Impacts on Stakeholders
Government and Nonprofit Organizations: Government agencies and nonprofits stand to benefit by receiving additional resources to distribute menstrual products. However, they will also face increased responsibility to ensure the effective use of funds and compliance with the bill’s provisions.
Eligible Entities: While nonprofit organizations involved in community distributions will benefit, the bill might sideline newer or for-profit entities that could offer innovative solutions. Engaging with diverse organizations might improve distribution efficiency and broaden the impact.
The Public and Low-Income Individuals: Low-income individuals, particularly menstruating women and girls, are expected to gain significant benefits from increased access to menstrual products. Improved access could decrease health issues related to menstruation hygiene and reduce financial burdens on struggling families.
Conclusion
While the Period PROUD Act aims to meet a crucial need, certain elements require greater clarity and consideration to maximize its effectiveness and ensure equitable access. By addressing the issues in funding allocations and eligibility criteria, the legislation could improve reach and efficiency. Stakeholders, ranging from government entities to the individuals benefiting from menstrual products, must navigate these nuances to fully realize the potential of this initiative to foster public health and well-being.
Financial Assessment
The proposed bill, H.R. 922, aims to address the scarcity of menstrual products among individuals with limited access by increasing funding for distribution through the Social Services Block Grant Program. Below is a detailed exploration of the financial references in the bill.
Financial Allocations and Appropriations
The bill outlines a significant $200,000,000 annual allocation for fiscal years 2026 through 2029. This funding is designated specifically to support the distribution of menstrual products to low-income communities. Additionally, the act specifies that up to $1,900,000,000 will be allocated each fiscal year from 2025 through 2028 under the Social Services Block Grant Program, with the noted $200,000,000 included in this amount.
Furthermore, up to $6,000,000 is authorized for administration of these provisions for the same duration from 2026 to 2029. This segment specifically aims at ensuring the funds are used to administratively support implementing the bill's provisions.
Related Issues
The allocation of $200,000,000 annually raises concerns regarding accountability and avoidance of wasteful spending. The bill does not provide detailed accountability measures, potentially leading to concerns about effective use and monitoring of these funds.
The bill reserves up to 2% (up to $4,000,000 annually) for technical assistance and training. This allocation, although aimed at supporting the effective execution of the new measures, may be viewed as high, especially without clear definitions of the activities it supports.
The cap allowing eligible entities to allocate 9% of the funds to administrative costs also raises questions. While this cap is intended to prevent excessive overhead expenses, without proper justification, it could be perceived as lenient and subject to scrutiny, especially when compared with the actual costs of distributing menstrual products directly.
Expiration and Procurement Concerns
Funds made available under the bill must be spent within the specified fiscal year or the year immediately following. This timeframe potentially presents challenges due to procurement and logistical delays that small or new distribution programs might face. It could lead to a rush in spending or to inefficient use of funds if timelines are not properly managed.
Supplement vs. Supplant Clarifications
The bill mandates that allocated funds are to "supplement, not supplant" existing funds derived from various sources for menstrual product distribution. However, the bill's language lacks specificity, creating potential ambiguity around financial responsibilities and funding disbursement. Clear guidelines or definitions regarding what constitutes "supplementing" could mitigate misuse and ensure that funds enhance rather than replace existing efforts.
Overall, while H.R. 922 outlines substantial financial commitments to improve access to menstrual products, these allocations come with several challenges. Ensuring that these funds are effectively managed and reach the intended populations will require clear accountability mechanisms and a thorough evaluation of the funding's impact at both the community and broader systemic levels.
Issues
The allocation of $200,000,000 annually for the years 2026 through 2029 is significant (Section 2(a)(2)(A)). The bill should ensure clear accountability measures are in place to avoid potential wasteful spending.
The definition of 'eligible entities' emphasizes nonprofit organizations handling 'community distributions of basic need services,' which might exclude for-profit or innovative startups capable of efficiently distributing menstrual products (Section 2(a)(2)(C)).
The phrasing 'menstrual products that conform to applicable industry standards' is vague, potentially allowing for variation in the quality of products distributed (Section 2(f)(1)).
Funds availability only extends through the fiscal following year, which might not account for potential procurement and logistical delays (Section 2(b)(3)(A)).
There's ambiguity in the language stating funds are to supplement, not supplant, existing funds. Clarification on what constitutes 'supplement' could reduce misuse (Section 2(b)(1)(C)).
The reserve allowing up to 2% ($4,000,000 annually) for technical assistance and training might be considered high. Definitions of these activities are necessary to ensure these funds are justified (Section 2(a)(2)(B)(i)(I)).
Language throughout the bill is complex, potentially hindering understanding and implementation by smaller entities lacking legal expertise (overall issue).
The cap of 9% on administrative costs for eligible entities may still be high if not appropriately justified (Section 2(b)(2)(B)).
The bill favors States having existing relationships with eligible entities for fund distribution without consideration for newer, potentially more effective programs or entities (Section 2(b)(1)(A)).
Sections
Sections are presented as they are annotated in the original legislative text. Any missing headers, numbers, or non-consecutive order is due to the original text.
1. Short title Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The first section of this Act states its short title, which is the “Period PROUD (Providing Resources for Our Underserved and Disadvantaged) Act of 2025”.
2. Targeted funding for menstrual products through the Social Services Block Grant Program Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The section of the bill increases funding for the Social Services Block Grant Program, specifically allocating funds to provide free menstrual products to low-income individuals from 2025 to 2028. It outlines the rules and conditions for distributing these funds, including partnerships with nonprofit organizations, and mandates an evaluation of the program's effectiveness by 2031.
Money References
- (a) Increase in funding for Social Services Block Grant Program.— (1) IN GENERAL.—The amount specified in subsection (c) of section 2003 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1397b) for purposes of subsections (a) and (b) of such section is deemed to be $1,900,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2025 through 2028, of which the amount equal to $200,000,000, reduced by the amounts reserved under paragraph (2)(B) for each such fiscal year, shall be obligated by States in accordance with subsection (b). (2) APPROPRIATION.— (A) IN GENERAL.—Out of any money in the Treasury of the United States not otherwise appropriated, there is appropriated $200,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2029, to carry out this section.
- PURPOSES.—The Secretary shall reserve, from the amount appropriated under subparagraph (A) to carry out this section— (I) for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2029, not more than 2 percent of the amount appropriated for the fiscal year for purposes of entering into an agreement with an eligible entity described in subparagraph (C) to assist in providing technical assistance and training, to support effective policy, practice, research, and cross-system collaboration among grantees and subgrantees, and to assist in the administration of the program described in this section; and (II) for fiscal year 2026, an amount, not to exceed $2,000,000, for purposes of conducting an evaluation under subsection (d).
- (g) Limitation on authorization of appropriations.—For the administration of this section, there are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary not more than $6,000,000 for fiscal years 2026 through 2029.