    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1995, Book II)]
    [December 15, 1995]
    [Page 1893]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Letter to Congressional Leaders on the Low Income Home Energy Assistance
    Program
    December 15, 1995

    Dear Mr. Leader:
        I am increasingly concerned that, under the current continuing
    resolution, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance program (LIHEAP) is
    not meeting the needs of families requiring heating assistance.
        With the onset of winter, low-income families need more help to keep
    their homes warm. Each year, LIHEAP assistance goes to about six million
    needy households, many of which have an elderly or disabled member or
    young children.
        Normally, by this time of year, States' energy assistance programs
    would be adequately funded to help households tackle high energy bills
    and insulate drafty homes. This year, however, Congress still has not
    passed a full-year appropriations bill for Labor, Health and Human
    Services, Education, and Related Agencies--the bill which funds LIHEAP.
    The House voted to end LIHEAP altogether.
        Under the two continuing resolutions that have been enacted this
    fall, LIHEAP has been funded at only $232 million. Last year, over three
    times that amount was available to States between September and the end
    of December.
        I strongly urge Congress to pass a full-year appropriation as soon
    as possible that includes funding for LIHEAP. At a minimum, Congress
    must enable the Administration to make available a seasonally
    appropriate share of the previously appropriated funds for LIHEAP.
        Congress should act quickly. Since winter is almost upon us, a
    rising number of low-income Americans, particularly those living in
    colder regions, will continue to need more help to keep warm at home.
            Sincerely,

                                                                Bill Clinton

    Note: Identical letters were sent to Newt Gingrich, Speaker of the House
    of Representatives; Robert Dole, Senate majority leader; Richard
    Gephardt, House Democratic leader; and Thomas Daschle, Senate Democratic
    leader.