Period PROUD (Providing Resources for Our Underserved and Disadvantaged) Act of 2025
The Period PROUD Act of 2025 aims to combat period poverty by directing targeted funding through the Social Services Block Grant (SSBG) program to boost access to menstrual products for low-income individuals. The bill would set substantial annual funding (1.9 billion dollars per year from 2025–2028) for purposes related to the SSBG, with an additional dedicated appropriation of 200 million dollars per year for 2026–2029 to carry out these provisions. The funds would be distributed to eligible entities—primarily States, local governments, Indian tribes, or nonprofits with relevant experience—to purchase and distribute menstrual products, integrate these efforts with other basic-needs programs, provide training and technical assistance, and cover administrative costs (capped at 9%). A formal evaluation, reporting requirements, and guidance are included to assess effectiveness and guide implementation. In short, the bill uses existing federal program dollars to create a focused, trackable effort to increase access to menstrual products for people in need, with oversight, evaluation, and a clear framework for how funds may be used and reported.
Key Points
- 1Targeted funding through the Social Services Block Grant to increase access to menstrual products for low-income individuals, with specific annual funding levels (1.9B/year 2025–2028; plus 200M/year 2026–2029 for implementation).
- 2Eligible recipients include States, local governments, Indian tribes/tribal organizations, and nonprofit organizations (501(c)(3)) with demonstrated experience in distributing basic-needs items (such as diapers, food, or menstrual products).
- 3Funds may be used to purchase and distribute menstrual products, integrate with other basic-needs programs (e.g., TANF, CHIP, Medicaid, WIC, early home visiting programs), provide training/technical assistance, and cover administrative costs (capped at 9%).
- 4No limits on where products may be distributed; funds must supplement rather than supplant existing funding from other sources.
- 5States distribute funds to eligible entities; funds can be spent in the current year or the next year; a portion is reserved for evaluation and administrative support.
- 6Annual reporting and a formal evaluation timeline: completion by end of 2031, with reports released in 2032 and published on the DHHS website.
- 7Guidance to be issued within 180 days of enactment; strong emphasis on data collection, fiscal accountability, and sharing information with researchers and practitioners.
- 8Sequestration exemption: funds dedicated to this program are exempt from automatic reductions under budget control orders.
- 9Overall administration of this section is capped at $6 million for 2026–2029.