WASHINGTON, DC The United States Senate today, over the objection of the Budget Committee Chairman, agreed to an amendment offered by Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) that would provide an additional $3.3 billion for a federal heating assistance program to help the elderly, low-income families and disabled individuals pay their heating bills.Reeds amendment to the fiscal year 2007 budget would provide an additional $3.3 billion in funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), increasing funding for the program to $5.1 billion, its fully authorized level.LIHEAP is a federal block grant program that provides states with annual funding to operate home energy assistance programs for low-income households. In addition to helping to pay energy bills for low-income families and the elderly, LIHEAP helps to fund energy crisis intervention programs, low-cost residential weatherization and other energy-related home repairs.Reed stated, I am overjoyed that the Senate has voted to support full funding for this essential program. While a majority of the Senate has voted to support funding for LIHEAP at its fully authorized level in the past, these efforts were defeated on a budget technicality. This vote signals real help for families and seniors continuing to face record high energy prices, if the Majority honors this in the budget conference.It is my hope that the House of Representatives will follow the Senates lead in supporting $5.1 billion for federal heating assistance. Families and seniors are continuing to make tough choices when it comes to heating their homes and buying food or lifesaving medications. Passage of this amendment is a step in the right direction to ensure that they are not faced with these decisions next year.Reed has consistently asked Congress and the President to provide $5.1 billion in funding for LIHEAP. Unfortunately, while receiving a majority of Senate support, Reeds efforts were defeated on a budget technicality. The Republican Congress last year approved only $2.183 billion.