Congressman Mike Lawler from New York and Congressman Josh Gottheimer from New Jersey have introduced a bipartisan bill aimed at safeguarding the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) from staffing reductions. This program assists millions of families in managing their energy expenses during extreme weather conditions.
The proposed legislation seeks to set a minimum staffing level for administering LIHEAP, following actions by the Trump Administration earlier this year to lay off all federal LIHEAP staff. Additionally, the Administration’s proposal to eliminate the program in its FY2026 budget request has raised concerns about its future, particularly as summer approaches.
“I’m proud to co-lead this bipartisan bill to fix LIHEAP’s staffing crisis, ensuring Hudson Valley families get the energy assistance they need to stay warm this winter. With minimum staffing requirements and smart use of contractors, we’re tackling inefficiency and protecting our most vulnerable who depend on it,” stated Congressman Lawler, who serves as Co-Chair of the Extreme Heat Caucus.
“Nearly 6 million families nationwide — and 240,000 in Jersey — rely on LIHEAP to keep the heat on in the winter and the AC running in the summer,” noted Congressman Gottheimer. “President Trump is hell-bent on dismantling this critical program, firing its entire staff back in April and proposing to eliminate LIHEAP completely in his budget to Congress. My new bipartisan bill will stop these reckless cuts and ensure that no family is left in the cold or heat without help. I’ll keep fighting to protect LIHEAP, lower utility bills, and stand up for hardworking Jersey families.”
LIHEAP was established in 1981 with support from both parties and provides federally funded assistance for low-income households’ heating and cooling costs. In 2025 alone, New Jersey received $120 million through this program.
Congressman Lawler represents New York’s 17th Congressional District, located north of New York City and encompassing parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties. He is recognized as one of Congress’s most bipartisan members and was ranked as the most effective freshman lawmaker in the 118th Congress.
