[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 130 (Friday, October 7, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2051]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         THE LOW-INCOME GASOLINE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM ACT OF 2005

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                             HON. TOM UDALL

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 7, 2005

  Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce the 
Low-Income Gasoline Assistance Program Act of 2005. I want to thank the 
original House cosponsors that have joined in this effort.
  Recent high gasoline prices are taking a serious toll on American's 
pocketbooks. The monthly budgets of hard-working, low-income families 
are currently dominated by the unexpected price increases at the pumps. 
We all must do our part to conserve fuel and reduce our national demand 
for petroleum and I applaud those individuals who have begun or 
continue to walk, bike or take public transportation on a daily basis. 
Unfortunately, not all people have these options. Due to lack of 
available public transportation, people living in rural areas are often 
forced to commute to everyday activities by automobile. The Low-Income 
Gasoline Assistance Program Act or LIGAP is designed to assist American 
families most affected by high fuel prices.
  LIGAP is modeled after the successful LIHEAP program that helps low-
income citizens pay for seasonal heating and cooling. In short, LIGAP 
calls for qualifying recipients to receive $25-$75 per month for 3 
months to pay for gasoline. Additionally, another 3 months' benefit 
will be made available if prices do not soften. LIGAP will allow States 
and tribal organizations to make grants to low- and fixed-income 
individuals and families who have no option but to drive at least 30 
miles a day, or 150 miles per week for work, school, or medical care to 
defray the cost of purchasing gasoline. States are also encouraged to 
use their welfare reform block grant to provide transportation stipends 
to parents who meet the same distance standards.
  This measure will enable States to operate the program through their 
Community Action agencies or welfare departments. Additionally, tribal 
organizations may directly request assistance. Thus, States will have 
the flexibility to set income-eligibility standards similar to the 
current eligibility for LIHEAP. The prices at which the program 
triggers on and subsequently releases will then be set for each 
jurisdiction through consultation between the Secretary of Health and 
Human Services and the Secretary of Energy.
  LIGAP is not meant to be a substitute for the long-term energy 
solutions we all seek for our Nation. Each of us understands the 
necessity of a comprehensive and balanced approach to energy 
development, but we must realize that in every State there are 
hardworking people and elderly individuals whose monthly budgets are 
being overwhelmed by the cost of gasoline. While we must approach this 
country's energy demand with the willingness to make the tough, long-
range choices demanded of us, it is equally important that we heed the 
immediate damage being caused by the current high prices. We must show 
a willingness to provide some comfort for those Americans who are most 
at risk.
  Mr. Speaker, we all recognize that people are suffering and that 
something must be done to help with the high cost of gasoline. I urge 
my colleagues to join us in this forward thinking and comprehensive 
proposal.

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