Langevin Calls for Heating Assistance In Next Economic Recovery Package
Press Release
Langevin Calls for Heating Assistance In Next Economic Recovery Package
Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI) today joined other members of the New England Congressional Delegation to announce a major push to increase funding for home heating assistance. The delegation is sending a letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi asking her to provide a boost to energy assistance funding in an upcoming economic recovery package or stand-alone legislation.
"This week, as Rhode Islanders face the prospect of the summer's second heat wave, I am already thinking about the strain skyrocketing home heating oil costs will place on hardworking families," said Congressman Langevin. "Our neighbors should not have to decide between heating their homes and putting food on the table as winter hits."
First, the letter offers strong support for Speaker Pelosi's call for the President to immediately release oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR), in order to lower the price of oil now and give relief to consumers.
Secondly, it asks the Speaker to consider legislation or include provisions in a second economic stimulus package that will increase funding and expand eligibility for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Lastly, the delegation requests additional funding for the Weatherization Assistance Program.
"Congress needs to do all it can to provide people the heating assistance they need before cold weather strikes," Langevin continued. "I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues from New England to push this issue in the coming weeks."
Additionally, Congressman Langevin is an original cosponsor of H.R. 6473, legislation introduced last week that would allow the Secretary of Energy to release heating oil from the Northeast Home Heating Oil Reserve in the coming winter if the price of home heating oil remains over $4 per gallon. Proceeds from the sale of reserve supplies would fund LIHEAP and the Weatherization Assistance Program.
Source