Rep. Lawler Wants Heating Assistance Program Maintained

Rep. Mike Lawler, R-N.Y., wants to reinstate funding for a program being eliminated by the Trump administration that helps low-income people pay their heating and cooling bills.

Lawler and Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-N.J., have introduced legislation to stop staffing cuts at the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP.

The Hill reported that the two oppose the Trump administration's decision to eliminate the program staff. The legislation would require the Department of Health and Human Services to maintain a staff of at least 20 people and as many as 30 in emergencies.

In a post on X about the proposed cuts, Lawler called eliminating the program "reckless." He said the HHS program was a lifeline for many Americans.

"The proposed $4 billion cut to LIHEAP in the FY2026 budget is a reckless move that will leave Hudson Valley families out in the cold," he wrote.

He said the program needs to be maintained. "This program is a lifeline for low-income households in New York, including many in my district, to keep their heat on."

Lawler said the issue should not be politicized. "While I fully agree we need to tackle fraud and abuse as GAO identifies it, completely eliminating an essential program to millions of American families is not a solution."

He continued, "I won’t stop fighting to protect LIHEAP and ensure every dollar goes to those who truly need it."

The LIHEAP website indicates it does not directly support those in need of heating and cooling assistance with money: "The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) does not provide direct grants to individuals."

The program has a linked webpage where potential recipients can learn how to connect with organizations that offer funding assistance.

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