WASHINGTON, DC – Representative Markey (D-MA) today released a letter, signed by 129 members of the House of Representatives, to the Appropriations Committee asking for funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). This program helps working families, disabled individuals, and senior citizens pay their energy bills when they are unable to do so. The letter asks for $3 billion in regular funds for LIHEAP.
“LIHEAP helps those individuals most in need of energy assistance. This program is essential to the economic stability and well-being of many American families, disabled individuals, and elderly folks who, without assistance, face difficult choices. Do they pay the rent or buy oil to heat their homes? Feed their children or pay their electricity bills? I don’t think families should have to choose between heat for their homes or food. LIHEAP helps these hard-working individuals avoid undue suffering in the winter. I will continue to make sure this funding stays available for the individuals and families who need it the most,” Rep. Markey said.

The letter, sent to the Appropriations Committee, details that “requests for energy assistance are expected to exceed five million low-income households this winter, the highest number in the last 10 years” and requests that three billion dollars are set aside to address the rising cost of heat expenditures. “With energy prices sky-high, American families are even more burdened by heating their homes. This year, we expect over five million American households to ask for energy assistance. How can we deny these people the ability to heat their house, to keep their children warm at night?”

For a copy of the letter and more information on Rep. Markey’s work on the Energy and Commerce Committee, please visit www.house.gov/markey.