Bass Fights to Restore Funding for LIHEAP

WASHINGTON – During debate on the Continuing Resolution this week, Congressman Charles F. Bass (NH-02) fought to include an amendment that would make available $50 million in funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) emergency contingency fund.  Unfortunately, Bass’ amendment failed by a vote of 104-322 this morning. 

Originally, $590 million was appropriated for the LIHEAP emergency contingency fund, but the Continuing Resolution cuts $390 million from the fund.  The remaining $200 million in the contingency fund has already been allocated, leaving the fund at zero for the rest of the winter.

Bass said:

“With a month left of winter and New Hampshire families still struggling with high energy costs, we can’t afford to zero out emergency contingency funding for a vital program like the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.  My amendment would have made available a modest amount in the emergency contingency fund so it would be available to help families that need it most.

“As we continue to debate how to fund our nation’s priorities, including programs like LIHEAP, we will have tough choices to make.  While I’m disappointed that my amendment did not pass, I will keep fighting for New Hampshire’s and our nation’s needs at a price we can afford.” 

LIHEAP provided vital assistance to over 47,000 New Hampshire households last year.

LIHEAP emergency contingency funds are made available at the discretion of the President to help meet additional home energy assistance needs arising from abnormal situations.

Bass to Offer Amendment to CR to Help Restore Emergency Funding for LIHEAP

WASHINGTON – Congressman Charles F. Bass (NH-02) will introduce an amendment to the Continuing Resolution this week to make available an additional $50 million in funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) emergency contingency fund.  Bass’ amendment is fully offset and is expected to be debated on the House floor today or tomorrow.

Bass said:

“New Hampshire families have been hit hard this year by high energy costs, and we still have a month left of winter.  The contingency fund helps provide access to emergency assistance during especially hard winters.  My amendment, which is fully offset, will add a modest amount to the contingency fund to help with home energy costs for the families that need it most.

“There are many priorities to fund, and Congress will have to make tough choices about spending.  I will continue working to ensure that we meet New Hampshire’s and our nation’s needs at a price we can afford.”

LIHEAP provided vital assistance to over 47,000 New Hampshire households last year.

Emergency contingency funds are made available at the discretion of the President to help meet additional home energy assistance needs arising from abnormal situations.

NH Congressional Delegation Announces $8.2 Million in LIHEAP Funding for New Hampshire

WASHINGTON —New Hampshire’s Congressional Delegation today announced that New Hampshire will receive $8,257,288 in LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) funding through the release of FY2010 block grant funding. This funding is part of a national release of $1.2 billion in LIHEAP funding to help qualified low-income families pay for the cost of heating their homes. These funds are the second installment of LIHEAP block grants to be released for FY2010.

“LIHEAP provides a safety net to millions of people across the country,” said the delegation. “This is a tough economy, and New Hampshire families are struggling to pay their heating bills.  This funding will help ensure that people are not forced to choose between feeding their families and heating their homes.”

Earlier this week, Gregg, Shaheen, Shea-Porter and Hodes sent letters to President Obama urging him to immediately release LIHEAP contingency funds. The recently-passed Consolidated Appropriations Act includes $5.1 billion for LIHEAP, including more than $590 million in contingency funding. 

Shea-Porter Announces More Than $25 Million in LIHEAP Funds for New Hampshire

WASHINGTON, DC — Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter today announced $25,584,281 in Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) block grant funds for October, November and December of this year for the state of New Hampshire.  The mission of LIHEAP is to assist low income households in meeting their immediate home energy needs.  These funds are provided through the Department of Health and Human Services.

“Ever since I came to Congress, I have been a strong advocate of LIHEAP,” said Congresswoman Shea-Porter.  “No one should ever have to choose between heating their home and putting food on their table.  These funds are essential for the health and safety of families who rely on this program to keep them warm during the cold New Hampshire winters.”

On February 17, 2009, Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter sent a letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, and Appropriations Chairman David Obey, urging them to increase LIHEAP funding by $1 billion this year and to also fully fund LIHEAP to its authorized level of $5.1 billion next year.  Shea-Porter wrote that Congress must provide a meaningful level of assistance in order to ensure the safety of New Hampshire’s seniors and families.