[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 80 (Thursday, May 15, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E947]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          STATEMENT ON LIHEAP

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                         HON. CAROLYN McCARTHY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 15, 2008

  Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise today to call on 
colleagues to fully fund the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, 
also known as LIHEAP, during this year's appropriations process, at the 
full $5.1 billion.
  LIHEAP is a vital program that helps low-income Americans pay their 
heating and cooling bills.
  Our nation is facing an escalating energy crisis. More and more, 
American families are being forced to make difficult decisions between 
putting food on their tables and paying their utility bills.
  If the current trend continues, LIHEAP will not have enough funding 
for the remainder of fiscal year 2008. Soaring energy prices combined 
with another heat wave this summer could be deadly if we don't act now 
to fully fund this important program.
  This presents a particular risk to our Nation's most vulnerable, the 
elderly, infirm and children. Extreme temperatures can be incredibly 
dangerous to those with compromised physical conditions. They need to 
be protected and we have the ability to protect them by fully funding 
LIHEAP.
  This month, utility shut-off moratoriums that have been offered by 
states are set to expire just as temperatures are rising. With past-due 
notices on the rise, there is no question that millions of Americans 
could be facing summers with no cooling options available. There is 
simply no time to waste. I urge all of my colleagues to act now to 
fully fund LIHEAP. American families cannot sweat out Congress's delays 
on this matter.

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