NEFI: Bipartisan Letter Urges RFK Jr. to Distribute LIHEAP Funds by Nov. 30
U.S. Representatives Chris Pappas (D-NH-01) and Mike Lawler (R-NY-17) led a bipartisan group of 42 House members in pressing Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. to take all necessary steps to ensure that LIHEAP funds are distributed to states by November 30, NEFI said in a “Legislative Alert” to its members.
“The lawmakers acknowledged the Secretary’s previous notification to states that LIHEAP funds should be received by the end of the month but emphasized the critical importance of swift action,” the National Energy & Fuels Institute said on Nov. 26.
A letter to Kennedy highlighted risks to customers who receive fuel deliveries, noting that “while many states include moratoriums on utility shutoffs during winter months, they cannot require independent heating oil or propane suppliers to continue deliveries without payment before or upon delivery.”
The bipartisan group requested that HHS:
- Continue to accelerate the typical four-week timeline for LIHEAP disbursement
- Tap additional staff as needed to ensure rapid disbursement
- Maintain regular contact with LIHEAP recipients about expected timelines
If disbursement is delayed past November 30, immediately distribute an initial portion of funds to states, followed by remaining funds no later than December 10