Reps. Lawler, McBride Introduce Legislation to Ensure Expanded Access to Hygiene Products

Today, Reps. Mike Lawler (NY-17) and Sarah McBride (DE-At large) introduced the TANF Hygiene Access Act, bipartisan legislation to establish a five-year demonstration pilot program aimed at helping low-income families access essential hygiene materials such as soap, diapers, feminine hygiene products, and other household necessities.

The legislation directs the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Office of Family Assistance, to test innovative, outcomes-driven approaches for expanding access to hygiene products while maintaining strong accountability and cost-effectiveness standards. Under the bill, HHS would administer a competitive grant program open to states, tribes, and tribal organizations. 

“At Simply the Basics, we believe hygiene is not a luxury but a basic human necessity. Ensuring access to hygiene products through benefits affirms their essential role in health, dignity, and overall well-being and recognizes that they are fundamental to living a healthy life,” said Meghan Freebeck, CEO of Simply the Basics.