Prior to the devastation caused by these catastrophic hurricanes, our nation was already experiencing record fuel costs.  In their relentless aftermath, our nation’s domestic energy production and distribution infrastructure suffered considerable damages causing already inflated gas prices to skyrocket even further. 

American families and farm families can expect to see natural gas prices soar by 48%.  The cost of natural gas this winter is expected to average above $12 per thousand cubic feet, double the cost of just one year ago.  Natural gas is the primary heating fuel for 55% of all households in the United States.  This 100% price increase will have a considerable and noticeable impact on all Americans, particularly the working poor, the elderly, the disabled, and industries that rely on natural gas for their livelihood.  I am concerned that energy costs and winter fuel prices will be an unbearable burden for Americans, such as our poultry producers, who rely heavily on natural gas to heat poultry houses during the cold winter months. 

I am pushing for increased funding for Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), a federal grant program designed to assist low income families with their energy bills.  In the recently passed Energy Policy Act of 2005, $5.1 billion was authorized for each Fiscal Year 2005-2007 to assist those American families truly in need.  However, as natural gas prices are expected to almost double this winter season, this funding is simply not enough. 

The cost of natural gas prices is an issue of grave concern that will face this Congress and Americans all across the nation this winter.  American families are feeling their wallets tighten as they struggle to find the balance between soaring natural gas and fuel prices and everyday living expenses such as food, healthcare, and prescription drugs.  I am committed, as your Representative in the United States Congress, to working with my colleagues on the House Committee on Energy and Commerce to take the necessary action to provide much needed relief and assistance to the poor, the elderly, the disabled, and our farm families as the winter months descend upon us.  As always, I am steadfast in my commitment to voicing your needs and concerns in our nation's capital and will continue to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to address these unprecedented energy costs.