[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 29 (Wednesday, March 8, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Page S1887]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                             LIHEAP FUNDING

  Mr. FEINGOLD. Mr. President, I am pleased that the Senate has finally 
passed legislation to help hard-working families that have been 
grappling with skyrocketing energy costs for far too long. My 
colleagues from Maine and Rhode Island, Senators Snowe and Reed, have 
worked diligently to get LIHEAP legislation to the Senate floor and I 
thank them for their commitment. I must note, however, that the funding 
approved by the Senate yesterday is too little, too late. As we move 
forward with the appropriations process for fiscal year 2007, I will be 
urging my colleagues to fund the LIHEAP program at its fully authorized 
level so that next year my constituents don't again find themselves 
struggling to pay record heating bills while Congress turns a blind 
eye.
  I would also like to respond to some of the concerns that I have 
heard a handful of my colleagues make during debate on whether we 
should increase the amount of LIHEAP funding available. A few members 
have spoken about the problem of earmarks and the need for responsible 
Government spending. I share concerns over earmarking and welcome the 
opportunity to work together on this issue so that we can look the 
public in the face and say that their tax dollars are being spent on 
the most meritorious projects. Increasing LIHEAP funding is not about 
earmarks--it is about helping our citizens with immediate and urgent 
needs.

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