U.S. Rep. Andrew Garbarino (R-NY) on Aug. 2 cosponsored a bipartisan bill that would authorize $4 billion in emergency federal funds for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
“Long Islanders and Americans across the country are dealing with astronomical energy prices on top of rising costs for basic necessities across the board,” said Rep. Garbarino. “This legislation will provide much-needed relief to some of the most vulnerable families in our community and help ensure they are able to heat their homes this winter.”
Specifically, the Home Heating Emergency Funding Act of 2022, H.R. 8639, which is sponsored by U.S. Rep. Jared Golden (D-ME), would make supplemental appropriations to carry out LIHEAP for fiscal year 2022, according to the congressional record bill summary.
LIHEAP provides federally funded assistance in managing costs associated with home energy bills, energy crises, weatherization, and energy-related minor home repairs.
“Even if sky-high heating oil prices come down between now and November, it’s going to be a tough winter for many families in Maine,” Rep. Golden said. “For thousands of Maine residents, this funding could be a crucial lifeline to get them through the winter this year.”
Rep. Garbarino also helped lead appropriation requests to fund LIHEAP for both FY 2022 and FY 2023, according to his office.