Sponsors (10)
The bill keeps energy-assistance flowing to vulnerable households during funding lapses, improving health and program continuity, but shifts costs and administrative/budgetary burdens onto Treasury, agencies, and taxpayers and may weaken appropriations discipline.
Low-income households (including elderly and disabled) keep receiving LIHEAP heating and cooling assistance during federal funding lapses, preventing interruptions in aid and reducing health risks during extreme weather.
States retain a predictable funding flow for emergency energy assistance during appropriations gaps, avoiding administrative disruption and helping steady program delivery at the state level.
Federal taxpayers face increased and potentially open‑ended costs during government shutdowns because the Treasury must temporarily fund LIHEAP without specified statutory caps.
Automatic Treasury funding during funding lapses could weaken incentives for timely appropriations and complicate budget enforcement, reducing congressional leverage over spending decisions.
HHS and state LIHEAP administrators may face additional administrative burden to obligate, track, and account for open‑ended emergency payments without clear amounts or fiscal‑year limits.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Requires the Treasury to provide whatever funds are necessary to continue LIHEAP grant payments during any lapse in discretionary appropriations.
Introduced October 14, 2025 by Raul Ruiz · Last progress October 14, 2025
Provides funding to keep Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) payments going during any lapse in discretionary appropriations so households do not lose energy help during a government shutdown. Also designates a short title for the Act. The bill directs the Treasury to pay "such sums as are necessary" from the general fund to continue LIHEAP grants to states for payments made during the lapse; it does not set dollar limits or change program rules or eligibility.