Political Quotes

“Madam President, I would like to talk about an amendment I filed along with my colleague Susan Collins of Maine to support the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, the LIHEAP program. As the Senate continues to debate whether to bypass a longstanding Presidential permitting process and essentially rubberstamp the construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline--which, to be clear, would likely benefit major oil companies and could have a harmful consequence on our environment--I wish to take the opportunity to highlight a Federal program that helps our country's most vulnerable citizens, including seniors, meet their home energy needs. The bipartisan amendment led by Senator Collins and me, along with several of our colleagues, expresses the sense of the Senate that the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program--better known as LIHEAP-- should be funded at no less than $4.7 billion annually to ensure that more low-income households--those with children, senior citizens, individuals with disabilities, and veterans--are able to access this critical assistance. I must commend Senator Collins. She and I have taken the lead on this effort over many sessions of Congress. Her efforts are extraordinarily critical for the continued support of this program, and it is no surprise that once again we are both together urging our colleagues to support this program.…”