Reed-Kennedy Amendment to LIHEAP Passes

AMENDMENT TO ADD OVER $3 BILLION IN HOME HEATING ASSISTANCE

Washington, D.C. --This afternoon, the Senate passed the Reed-Kennedy amendment to increase funds for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) by $3.318 billion for fiscal year 2007, this would bring total funds for the program to the fully authorized level of $5.1 billion. The increase is paid for by closing corporate tax loopholes.

Senator Kennedy said, “I‘m pleased that the Reed-Kennedy Amendment passed the Senate. Our failure to fully fund LIHEAP this winter left families shivering in the cold. It’s essential the Congress act to prevent that from happening again next winter. This amendment is a giant step in the right direction and I’m hopeful LIHEAP we’ll be fully funded during the 2007 appropriation process.”

Kennedy continued, “Under the President’s budget, Massachusetts would only receive a little over $73 million. If the program is fully funded at its authorized level of $5.1 billion—as called for in this amendment—we will receive almost $158 million.”

Senator Kerry who supported the Reed-Kennedy amendment said, “Today is a true victory in our long fight to fully find LIHEAP. LIHEAP is an important lifeline many families depend on to heat their homes. We fought tooth and nail to get heating help for families all winter only to find senseless, politically-motivated obstacles every step of the way. Today has marked a true turning point in this fight and we’ll work to make sure this funding gets to all families who need it. I thank Senators Kennedy and Reed for their leadership and everyone else who joined us in this important fight.”