As temperatures plunge, Congress urges HHS to expedite delayed LIHEAP funds, crucial for millions needing winter energy aid.
WASHINGTON — As the temperatures continue to drop, member of Congress are putting the heat on the U.S Department of Health and Human Services to release utilities assistance funding.
After the record-long federal government shutdown ended, money for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program — or LIHEAP — didn’t immediately start flowing.
The program helps people who can’t afford to cool their homes during the summer or heat their homes during the winter.
“These are very tough times for people from an affordability standpoint,” said Congressman Glenn Ivey.
Maryland Democratic Congressman Glenn Ivey was one of over a hundred congressional leaders who signed a letter sent to Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy, Jr.
In the letter, writing “Without immediate action, millions of families across the country could lose access to essential energy services, leaving families exposed to severe health and safety risks.”
He points to staffing shortages in the department as a reason for the delays.
“The Trump admin basically forced out fed government employees who run the program,” said Ivey, “Gotta bring them back. Getting to cold months and people need it now more than ever.”
Maryland Governor Wes Moore signed an executive order earlier this month that provided temporary protections.
It authorized using roughly $10 million from the Strategic Energy Investment Fund to bridge the federal funding gap for the 13,000 households impacted.
Virginia’s Department of Social Services confirmed to WUSA9 its still accepting applications for the crisis assistance program — but it can’t approve anything until it gets the federal funding.
For crisis assistance specifically, over 12,000 households are impacted.
In DC, roughly 20,000 households are impacted by the funding gap.
WUSA9 reached out to HHS Monday about the delay.
A spokesperson said in part “The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) is moving swiftly to distribute annual awards and restore essential services.”
They anticipate releasing funding by the end of the month.