The high cost of heating a home today hits low-income families the hardest.  Since its inception in 1981, the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) has helped lower home heating cost for millions of Americans.  From 2002-2005, Tennessee received $108.2 million through LIHEAP for heating assistance. 

Congress appropriated $2.183 billion for LIHEAP for 2006.  Of these funds $2 billion is allocated for state grants and the remaining $183 million is for emergency contingency funds, which can be disbursed by the Secretary of Health and Human Services.  This represents an increase over the President’s request, the House Appropriations Committee recommendation, and the 2005 funding level. 

As we enter the coldest months of the year, we must remember the hardship of heating costs facing so many Americans.  I will continue to support responsible funding levels for effective federal programs.