New England Democrats request extra funding for federal energy assistance program

With winter approaching and energy prices remaining high, more federal funds are needed for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), Democratic representatives from the New England Congressional Delegation told appropriations leaders in Congress.

In their Sept. 14 letter sent to leaders in both the U.S. House and Senate Appropriations Committees, the 19 lawmakers pointed out that the United States has experienced severe energy shortages and price increases due to numerous factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

“These shortages contribute to the high prices which are having significant impacts on our region’s electric, heating oil, and natural gas customers,” they wrote. “These increased costs will strain the finances of vulnerable families, forcing many to fall behind on their utility bills and make other difficult financial decisions.”

And severe weather in the upcoming months could make this shortage even worse, according to their letter.

“Even under normal circumstances, LIHEAP provides vital assistance for families across the country who need assistance with their heating and cooling costs and their home energy bills,” wrote the Democrats. “With the current energy crisis in New England, it is even more important that Congress meets the needs of families that rely on LIHEAP to afford their energy bills.” 

The letter was signed by U.S. Reps. Annie Kuster (D-NH), Joe Courtney (D-CT), Chellie Pingree (D-ME), David Cicilline (D-RI), Richard Neil (D-MA), Lori Trahan (D-MA), Jim Langevin (D-RI), Bill Keating (D-MA), Jim Himes (D-CT), Jake Auchincloss (D-MA), Jared Golden (D-ME), Jahana Hayes (D-CT), Peter Welch (D-VT), Seth Moulton (D-MA), Chris Pappas (D-NH), Stephen Lynch (D-MA), Ayanna Pressley (D-MA), John Larson (D-CT), and Jim McGovern (D-MA).

According to the office of Rep. Courtney, who led the letter, the LIHEAP program has received increased overall funding recently thanks to bills like the American Rescue Plan and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Additional funding for the LIHEAP program would provide even more home energy assistance to people throughout the region, staff said.

“I’m urging the Appropriations Committees to include additional funding for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) in the gov’t funding bill,” Kuster tweeted Thursday evening. “More funding for LIHEAP ahead of the cold winter months is crucial, especially as electric, gas, & oil prices remain high.”

Additionally, the lawmakers in their letter noted that they “greatly appreciate” the committee’s proposed increase for the fiscal year 2023 LIHEAP appropriation, and recognized a similar proposal the Biden administration made for more emergency funds for LIHEAP in its Sept. 2 supplemental funding request to Congress.

“This request shows an appreciation of the crucial role this program plays in low-income individuals’ financial security and safety as the prices of electricity, natural gas, and heating oil remain high,” wrote the members, “but we urge the committee to ensure that the final level of emergency funding reflects the acute needs of regions that rely on heating and cooling assistance.” 

Specifically, the lawmakers urged the committee leaders to meet the demand of New England and the rest of the nation by appropriating emergency supplemental funding for LIHEAP in the upcoming continuing resolution.