[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 121 (Wednesday, July 23, 2008)]
[House]
[Page H6828]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                                 LIHEAP

  (Mr. KUCINICH asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. KUCINICH. In the face of rising demand for help with home energy 
costs, the Ohio Department of Development reports that it has $17 
million less than last year to help low-income households pay energy 
bills. Cuyahoga County was forced to cut assistance checks this summer 
from $175 to $100.
  The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program funds have helped 
millions of Americans stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter. 
However, LIHEAP dollars have been stretched to the breaking point as 
more and more people find it impossible to pay their energy bills. It's 
outrageous that the most vulnerable Americans--children, the disabled, 
and elderly--go hungry and develop long-term health problems as the 
profits of oil and other energy companies skyrocket.
  I support a second stimulus package that includes $3.12 billion for 
the LIHEAP program. But I believe we must also redouble our efforts to 
address the economic policies that create and perpetuate energy 
insecurity.
  Support a second stimulus package for these Americans who rely on the 
LIHEAP program.

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