Pennsylvania House Bill HR350

Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 10/21/25
• Refer: 10/21/25
• Passed: 5/5/26

Caption

Urging the President and Congress of the United States to maintain funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program known as LIHEAP.

Impact

HR350 highlights the significant impact LIHEAP has on Pennsylvania's low-income families, noting that approximately one in five households face difficulty meeting their energy expenses. The resolution reinforces the importance of continued federal support, as the loss of LIHEAP funding could necessitate state intervention to cover these costs, leading to increased utility bills for other ratepayers. This could exacerbate financial hardships for vulnerable populations, including seniors and households with children and individuals with disabilities.

Summary

House Resolution 350 (HR350) urges the President and Congress of the United States to maintain funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Established to help families with energy costs, LIHEAP funding is crucial for low-income households, particularly during extreme weather conditions, and the bill emphasizes the increasing need for such assistance as energy costs rise and climate change leads to more frequent weather extremes. The resolution calls for the reinstatement of federal staff overseeing LIHEAP and increasing its funding in the fiscal year 2026 budget and beyond.

Sentiment

The sentiment regarding HR350 is largely supportive, with bipartisan acknowledgment of LIHEAP's role in providing essential assistance to struggling families. The resolution has garnered favorable views from a wide array of stakeholders, including public utilities and advocacy groups, as it is recognized for its role in keeping families safe during harsh weather. The general consensus is that without continued federal funding, the ramifications for low-income households could be severe, leading to increased energy insecurity.

Contention

While HR350 is largely well-received, potential contention exists surrounding the sustainability of federal funding for LIHEAP. There are concerns regarding the Biden administration's stance on energy programs and whether the necessary support would be provided. The bill points out previous actions by the Trump administration, including cuts to LIHEAP funding and federal staff layoffs, which sparked fears about the program's future and the consequences for those reliant on its assistance.