[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 15]
[Senate]
[Page 21629]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                   WEATHERIZATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

  Mr. JEFFORDS. Mr. President, I rise to thank Senator Slade Gorton, 
Chairman of the Interior Appropriations Subcommittee, for his, as well 
as his staff's, efforts to work with me and my staff to address 
concerns regarding a potential funding freeze for the Weatherization 
Assistance Program. I am very pleased that the Chairman was able to 
obtain an additional $2 million, at my urging, for the Weatherization 
Assistance Program, increasing the FY 2000 funding level to $135 
million.
  Weatherization is an especially critical program to the Northeast-
Midwest region. It increases energy efficiency in low-income homes, 
reducing energy use by up to one-third. More than four and a half 
million households have been weatherized through this program over the 
past twenty years. Weatherization returns $1.80 in energy savings for 
every dollar spent; and provides an additional $0.60 in employment and 
environmental benefits.
  This year, 31 Senators voiced support for an increase in 
weatherization funding. In light of recent forecasts of rising fuel 
costs, weatherization funding has never been more critical. By 
providing targeted support in anticipation of extreme weather 
conditions, we can ensure the health, safety, and well-being of 
millions of low-income families, including the especially vulnerable 
populations of low-income children and elderly.

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