Maloney Offers Donated Tampons To Other Congressional Offices

WASHINGTON, DC — Because of an outpouring of public support in response to the Committee on House Administration refusing to reimburse his office for feminine hygiene products, New York Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney, D-Cold Spring, is offering more than 500 tampons and pads to his fellow congressional offices. Maloney said the products were sent in by a handful of Americans from around the country.

Maloney, who represents the 18th Congressional District in New York, said he wants to make sure every office on the Hill is welcoming to female staff and visitors.

“And thanks to the generosity of the American people, they will be,” he said.

“This issue is part of a much larger discussion about women’s rights in the workplace and the way women’s needs are treated,” Maloney said. “It’s time to bring those discussion into the 21st century.”

On June 26, Maloney’s office received an email from the House finance office informing him that he would have to reimburse the government for funds spent on tampons for his staff and visitors, saying they were not an office supply but a personal care item.

Maloney wrote to committee Chairman Gregg Harper, R-MS, enclosing a personal check for $37.16 and asking him to reverse the CHA’s policy. Maloney also took the issue to social media.

A spokeswoman for the CHA responding to a question about the issue from the Washington Post later said that it was indeed permissible to purchase necessary health and safety products for a congressional office, adding that Maloney had not reached out to the committee about the problem.

SEE ALSO: Maloney Tampons Purchase For Office Denied Reimbursement

Maloney responded that the committee was lying and backtracking to avoid admitting they stand by the archaic, sexist policy.

“They’re blaming some bureaucrat under their own authority for enforcing a policy they created,” he said.

Maloney said he has still not been reimbursed for the original request.

After receiving the donations, Maloney sent an email to all House offices making them aware of the availability of the tampons.

“We have more than enough, and want to ensure that every office is equipped to welcome female visitors and staff,” his email said. “If your office is interested in picking up some feminine hygiene products, come by Longworth House Office Building, room 1027.”

Maloney said the donations comply with relevant ethical guidelines and that transfers to other offices are permitted because member-to-member gifts are always permissible.

Photo caption: Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney. Photo credit: Sean Patrick Maloney's office.