WASHINGTON, D.C. – Wild weather and political unrest have driven the prices for oil and natural gas higher this winter, even as demand for heating assistance has remained elevated during America’s economic recovery. Today, Rep. Edward J. Markey (D-Malden), along with Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.) and Gene Green (D-Texas) called for full funding of the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to help vulnerable Americans who cannot afford to heat their homes during these frigid winter months.

Rep. Markey’s full remarks can be found HERE . Photos of the event can be found HERE .

 
Maintaining LIHEAP funding at the $5.1 billion level will help thousands of struggling households to cover their energy bill.  This important program, however, currently only serves 1 in 5 eligible people and is at risk for significant cuts in 2011 and 2012.
Today’s press conference was held in tandem with Winter LIHEAP Action Day, which is designed to call attention to the millions of Americans throughout the country who rely on LIHEAP to meet their basic heating and cooling needs.
 
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