WASHINGTON, DC – With temperatures hitting triple digits in Rhode Island and several states across the country this week, and electricity prices surging in communities across the country, the bill advanced by the Senate Appropriations Committee today would offer some much needed financial relief that would help millions of Americans reduce their utility bills.

The Senate Appropriations Committee today voted 26-3 to advance the fiscal year 2026 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies (Labor-H) appropriations bill, including $4.045 billion -- a $20 million increase over last year -- for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) that was championed by U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI). The bill also includes language to ensure 90 percent of LIHEAP funding is disbursed to states nationwide by November 1st, so states can effectively plan, save taxpayer dollars, and ensure sufficient funds to support households that need assistance during cold winter months.

Reed, a member of the Appropriations Committee, led a bipartisan effort with U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) to support robust LIHEAP funding. The Senate bill stands in stark contrast to President Trump’s efforts to eliminate LIHEAP.

LIHEAP is a federally funded program that helps low-income households with their home energy bills by providing payment and energy crisis assistance to pay for gas, electric, and other methods customers use to heat their homes.

Last year, Rhode Island received about $27 million in LIHEAP funds to assist more than 28,000 households.

“LIHEAP is a real lifeline that helps seniors and families in need reduce skyrocketing energy costs. Unfortunately, the Trump Administration proposed eliminating the program and laid off the entire staff that administers LIHEAP. This bill shows that not only is there bipartisan support for LIHEAP funding, but we are going to ensure the executive branch is accountable for getting the funds out and ensuring the program continues to be cost-effective and help people in all fifty states,” said Senator Reed. “President Trump is for the powerful and well-connected and I am for helping folks keep the power on. This is a positive step toward helping a lot of elderly Rhode Islanders on fixed incomes pay their electric bills and avoid excessive heat in the summer and cold in the winter. LIHEAP has a proven track record helping people and I will continue working to make these funds available for those in need.”

LIHEAP is administered by states and accessed through local Community Action Agencies. Eligibility for LIHEAP is based on income, family size, and the availability of resources.

Nationwide, an estimated 6 million households received assistance with heating and cooling costs through LIHEAP over the last year.

Rhode Islanders wishing to apply for LIHEAP may click here to reach the Rhode Island Department of Human Services website to get more information and links to an online application.

Committee passage is the first step in the process. The measure must now be approved by both the full U.S. Senate and separately by the U.S. House of Representatives.