Sponsors (15)
The bill protects vulnerable households and state program operations by continuing LIHEAP payments during a FY2026 funding lapse, but does so at the cost of open‑ended spending, a risk of inadequate payments if needs rise, and a precedent that may weaken budget enforcement.
Low-income households and struggling families will continue to receive LIHEAP heating and cooling assistance during any FY2026 funding lapse at the same monthly rate as in FY2025.
Vulnerable people (elderly, disabled, medically at-risk) face reduced short-term cold- and heat-related health risks because assistance continues through a funding lapse.
State governments and program administrators will have predictable cash flow to administer LIHEAP during a government shutdown because payments continue at prior-year monthly rates.
Beneficiaries could be shortchanged if energy costs or household needs rise in FY2026 because payments are capped at FY2025 monthly rates.
Taxpayers may shoulder open-ended emergency spending because the bill authorizes 'such sums as may be necessary' for FY2026 LIHEAP payments during lapses.
The provision creates a precedent of continuing programs during shutdowns, which can reduce Congressional leverage on appropriations and complicate budget enforcement.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Authorizes Treasury to provide whatever FY2026 funds are needed so LIHEAP payments to states continue at FY2025 monthly rates during any lapse in discretionary appropriations.
Official title: To appropriate funds for LIHEAP during a Federal Government shutdown.
Introduced October 3, 2025 by Chris Pappas · Last progress October 3, 2025
Provides unlimited FY2026 funding from the Treasury as needed to ensure Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) payments to states continue at the same monthly rate as in FY2025 during any lapse in discretionary appropriations. The Act only sets a short title and authorizes the temporary contingency appropriation mechanism for LIHEAP for FY2026.