John W. Olver: “Mr. Speaker, this legislation represents important relief for Americans who are hurting across our country. We must act…”

“Mr. Speaker, this legislation represents important relief for Americans who are hurting across our country. We must act swiftly to help our neighbors who have become victims of natural disasters. My own State of Massachusetts has been a victim of the bitter cold which has seized much of our country this winter. Fuel demand is up by over 25 percent this winter, and over 130 people have died because of the deep freeze. This legislation provides up to $200 million to be used for emergency fuel assistance in those States which have been hit hardest. Millions of Americans rely on the LIHEAP Program for help in heating their homes each year. To take away heat from low-income seniors, the disabled, the working poor in this bitter weather would be a gross injustice. In this emergency the reliance of millions of people on LIHEAP has been starkly highlighted, and intensified. I urge my colleagues to support this rule and this legislation.”