Sponsors (6)
The bill raises quality standards and adds flexibility to increase per-unit funding during cost spikes, but it lowers the baseline per-unit cap and shifts funds toward larger measures, which could underfund some high-cost projects and reduce the number of households served unless waivers or additional appropriations are used.
Low-income households will get more consistent, higher-quality weatherization because units must be "fully weatherized" (recommended measures installed and a final quality inspection).
Low-income households, homeowners, and renters can receive higher per-unit assistance when market costs rise because the Secretary may waive statutory per-unit limits and increase funding per dwelling.
State and local program administrators will face clearer definitions and cross-references, which should reduce confusion and improve program administration and claims processing.
Low-income households, homeowners, and renters may receive less federal funding per dwelling because the statutory per-unit cap is reduced from $6,500 to $5,000, risking underfunded high-cost projects unless the Secretary grants a waiver.
State and local governments may face payment delays or need to spend more up-front because the requirement that units be "fully weatherized" (all audit recommendations completed plus final inspection) could slow when projects can be claimed for assistance.
Low-income households may see fewer households served because raising a sub-limit from $3,000 to $6,000 could concentrate funds on particular measures or units and reduce available funds for other eligible households absent additional appropriations.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Defines “fully weatherized,” adjusts per‑unit cost limits used in program calculations, and lets the Secretary raise per‑dwelling assistance when market conditions require it.
Introduced July 31, 2025 by Christopher A. Coons · Last progress July 31, 2025
Revises the federal Weatherization Assistance Program by adding a clear definition of what counts as “fully weatherized,” changing several per‑unit cost limits used to calculate average state costs, and giving the Secretary limited authority to raise per‑dwelling financial assistance when market conditions require it. Also updates a statutory cross‑reference and establishes a short title for the Act.