Herb Kohl: “I rise as a cosponsor of the sense-of-the-senate resolution on the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program [LIHEAP].…”

“I rise as a cosponsor of the sense-of-the-senate resolution on the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program [LIHEAP]. This resolution calls on the President to release additional LIHEAP funds this year, and recognizes that forward funding for next year is critical to the LIHEAP program. Mr. President, according to the calender, Spring has almost arrived, but freezing weather is still expected for the Upper Midwest. There is still a very real need for LIHEAP assistance. Mr. President, we came perilously close to disaster earlier this winter because of cuts to LIHEAP and the failure of the Congress to finalize spending for the year. Thankfully, President Clinton was able to release emergency funding when extended and severe cold weather spells threatened to result in a crisis situation for thousands of people in my State of Wisconsin and throughout the Nation. LIHEAP has traditionally received forward funding by the Appropriations Committee so that States will know what to expect and may plan for the next heating season. Forward funding this year also served to prevent partisan budget fighting from holding up emergency help.”