In the near future, we plan to introduce a resolution urging Congress to fund the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). 
 

On April 2, 2025, President Trump laid off all federal staff responsible for administering LIHEAP, and the Administration’s proposed FY 26 budget includes zero federal funding for the program. 
 

In the 2024-25 cycle alone, the federal government allocated Pennsylvania roughly $229 million in LIHEAP funding that benefited over 302,000 households, helping our neighbors pay winter heating bills, avoid shutoffs, and restore terminated service. 46% of those payments went to households with members over 60, 28% percent went to households including members with disabilities, and 17% went to households with children under 5. 
 

No one should have to make the dangerous choice between putting food on the table or keeping the heat on in the winter. But without this lifesaving program, that’s the crisis many Pennsylvanians may soon face. 1 in 5 Pa. households already report problems paying their bills, and close to 200,000 households have experienced a gas or electric shutoff this year. Without the safety net of LIHEAP, those numbers will skyrocket. 
 

As energy bills rise and extreme weather becomes more frequent, safeguarding LIHEAP is more important than ever. Please join us in cosponsoring this resolution to urge Congress to fully fund LIHEAP and keep our most vulnerable neighbors safe.