Press Releases

Washington, D.C. - 2/5/26… 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. 

“The TANF Hygiene Access Act is designed to test smart, outcome-driven solutions that expand access to essential hygiene materials while maintaining strong accountability for taxpayer dollars. By focusing on measurable results and cost-effective partnerships, we can identify approaches that work and scale them responsibly,” said Congressman Lawler. 

“Access to hygiene products is a basic need and a core part of building an economy that works for all families. Right now, too many families are being denied the dignity that comes with having their basic needs met. I’m grateful to partner with Rep. Lawler on this bill to create smart, accountable solutions that get essentials like diapers and hygiene supplies into the hands of families who need them. When our government meets people’s basic needs, we help families live with dignity, stay healthy, and remain secure,” said Congresswoman McBride. 

The TANF Hygiene Access Act defines eligible hygiene materials broadly, including items such as soap, toothpaste, deodorant, toilet paper, feminine hygiene products, diapers, baby wipes, shampoo, laundry detergent, dish soap, and other essential products as determined by HHS.

“Hygiene is not a luxury. Hygiene access is not only about dignity; it is about prevention and stability. When people have consistent access to basic hygiene, they are better able to stay healthy, keep children in school, seek and keep employment, and reduce reliance on emergency care. This is a practical investment that supports self-sufficiency while using public resources more efficiently,” said Carol Freitas, Founder and Executive Director, Personal Care Foundation.

“We advocate for public policies that strengthen the social fabric that unites our communities,” said Joanne Sameul Goldblum, CEO and founder of the National Diaper Bank Network (NDBN). “That is exactly what Congressman Lawler’s TANF Hygiene Access Act will do … ensure that families have diapers, period products, toilet paper, laundry detergent, and the other material basic needs they require to thrive. NDBN applauds Congressman Lawler for working to change the systems that too often hold people back,” said Lacey Gero, Chief of Government Relations, National Diaper Bank Network and Alliance for Period Supplies.

“American families are struggling to make ends meet right now, and they’re counting on their elected leaders to take swift action and meet their needs,” said Melanie Hartzog, President and CEO at The New York Foundling. “We applaud Rep. Lawler (R-NY) and Rep. McBride (D-DE) for their bipartisan effort to expand access to essential hygiene products for families in New York and across the U.S. and U.S. territories. By providing specific appropriations for hygiene products, families everywhere will more easily access soap, deodorant, toothpaste, feminine products, shampoo, diapers, and other essentials – in the process creating a healthier society for everyone. The Foundling looks forward to working with Congress to get this done as soon as possible.”

“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.

Key provisions of the legislation include: 

• Creates a competitive grant program for states, tribes, and tribal organizations.
• Defines eligible hygiene materials broadly, including soap, toothpaste, deodorant, toilet paper, feminine hygiene products, diapers, baby wipes, shampoo, laundry detergent, dish soap, and related essentials.
• Requires applicants to demonstrate strong program design, capacity, partnerships with basic needs banks, readiness to evaluate outcomes, cost-effectiveness, and past TANF performance.
• Limits administrative expenses to no more than 15 percent.
• Requires public posting of applications.
• Mandates reporting on geographic reach, families served, materials distributed, and frequency of distributions.
• Directs HHS to report to Congress on the feasibility of nationwide expansion.

Full text of the bill can be found HERE.

Congressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of Congress and represents New York's 17th Congressional District, which is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties. He was rated the most effective freshman lawmaker in the 118th Congress, 8th overall, surpassing dozens of committee chairs.

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