Garbarino, Golden Introduce Bill to Help Struggling Families Heat Their Homes this Winter

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressmen Andrew R. Garbarino (NY-02) joined with Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) this week to introduce the Home Heating Emergency Funding Act of 2022. The legislation would provide $4 billion in emergency funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to help struggling families across the country afford to heat their homes this winter amidst rising fuel costs.

“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.”

“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,” said Rep. Golden. “While I’ve been pushing for months for the U.S. to expand domestic oil and gas production and open pipelines to increase energy supply and lower prices, these measures are unlikely to impact Mainers filling their oil tanks this winter. That’s why the bipartisan bill I’m introducing today is so important. Our bill will respond to this crisis by temporarily doubling the funding that goes to LIHEAP, the program that helps families with their heating bills. For thousands of Maine residents this funding could be a crucial lifeline to get them through the winter this year.” 

LIHEAP helps keep families safe and healthy through initiatives that assist families with energy costs. LIHEAP provides federally funded assistance in managing costs associated with home energy bills, energy crises, weatherization and energy-related minor home repairs. Learn more here.

Rep. Garbarino also helped lead appropriation requests to fund LIHEAP for both Fiscal Years 2022 and 2023.