WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senators Jack Reed (D-RI), along with Olympia J. Snowe (R-ME) and Bernie Sanders (I-VT), introduced bipartisan legislation to restore funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). 

LIHEAP is the main federal program that helps low-income families and seniors on fixed-incomes with their energy bills.  As part of an effort to control federal spending, the Administration’s budget proposed reducing LIHEAP funds from last year’s level of $4.7 billion down to $2.57 billion in 2012. 

The Reed-Snowe-Sanders LIHEAP Protection Act will maintain LIHEAP funding at last year’s level of $4.7 billion to ensure that vulnerable Americans do not get left out in the cold.

“As Rhode Island families are bracing for winter, we need to do everything we can to help protect our most vulnerable citizens.  LIHEAP is a lifeline for thousands of families throughout the state, especially for elderly residents and those with young children.  LIHEAP is a proven, cost-effective program that provides critical heating assistance for those in need,” said Reed, noting that last year Rhode Island received $31.1 million in LIHEAP funding to help over 36,000 families throughout the state.  So far this year, the state has received just $12.7 million to meet its LIHEAP obligations.

Nationwide, LIHEAP provided vital energy assistance to 8.9 million households last year—an increase of 54 percent since 2008.  It is projected that more than 9.4 million households will need assistance in 2012.

The Reed-Snowe-Sanders LIHEAP Protection Act is also being cosponsored by Senators Kelly Ayotte (R-NH), Susan Collins (R-ME) Joe Lieberman (I-CT), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Jay Rockefeller (D-WV), Jim Webb (D-VA), Mark Begich (D-AK), Scott Brown (R-MA), John Kerry (D-MA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Al Franken (D-MN), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Bob Casey (D-PA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), and Ben Cardin (D-MD).

“Times are tough and people really need help.  We’re keeping the heat on Congress and the Administration to help families who can’t afford to keep the heat on in their homes,” concluded Reed.