Keep the Heat On Act of 2025
Keep the Heat On Act of 2025
Plain Language Summary
# Keep the Heat On Act of 2025 - Summary **What the bill does:** This bill ensures that a federal heating assistance program for low-income households continues operating during a government shutdown in 2026. The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps low-income families pay for home heating and cooling costs. Currently, if the government shuts down due to budget disputes, this program would stop making payments. This bill would keep the money flowing at the same level as the previous year. **Who it affects:** The primary beneficiaries would be low-income households that rely on LIHEAP to afford heating and cooling bills.
States, tribes, and territories that administer these programs would also be affected, as they would continue receiving federal funds to distribute during a shutdown. The bill is sponsored by Rep. Chris Pappas, a New Hampshire Democrat, where heating costs are particularly significant during winter months. **Current status:** The bill is currently in committee and has not yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives.
CRS Official Summary
Keep the Heat On Act of 2025This bill provides appropriations for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) during any period in FY2026 in which there is a lapse in discretionary appropriations (i.e., a government shutdown). Under LIHEAP, the federal government makes annual grants to states, tribes, and territories to operate home energy assistance programs for low-income households. The bill provides appropriations to continue making LIHEAP payments during a government shutdown in FY2026 at a rate that is equal to the rate for the corresponding month of FY2025.
Latest Action
Referred to the House Committee on Appropriations.