Michael Bilirakis: “I rise in support of the portion of this legislation that would reauthorize the Low Income Home Energy Assistance…”

“I rise in support of the portion of this legislation that would reauthorize the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. LIHEAP authorizes funding for State-run programs that provide vital emergency assistance for low-income persons who need help paying their heating and cooling bills. Although the Energy and Commerce Committee did not mark up the LIHEAP provisions of this bill, the committee retains jurisdiction and will represent its interests at a conference, should the bill be approved by this body. As the ranking minority member of the Energy and Power Subcommittee of the Energy and Commerce Committee, I would like to express some concerns regarding the LIHEAP reauthorization language in this bill that I would like to see addressed in conference. First, I have questions about the role of the Secretary of Health and Human Services in the administration of LIHEAP Programs at the State level. One basic principle behind all block grant programs, such as LIHEAP, is that the States should have the maximum amount of discretion to administer these programs in ways that make sense in each locality.”