At a recent hearing on the Fiscal Year 2026 budget request for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Senator Susan Collins, Chair of the Appropriations Committee, raised concerns with HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. about the proposed elimination of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
Secretary Kennedy assured that if Congress appropriates funds for LIHEAP in Fiscal Year 2026, he would ensure its funding. Earlier this month, following Senator Collins' efforts, more than $400 million was released for LIHEAP funding for FY 2025, with Maine receiving $41.6 million.
Senator Collins emphasized LIHEAP's importance during her discussion with Secretary Kennedy: "The LIHEAP program...is absolutely vital for thousands of older Mainers and low-income families...It helps them avoid the constant worry of having to choose between keeping warm, buying essential foods and medications, and other basic necessities."
Secretary Kennedy responded affirmatively to working with the committee to restore LIHEAP: "Yeah, absolutely...If we cut LIHEAP, Navajo will die from it...I understand the critical historical importance of this program."
He further explained President Trump's rationale behind proposing cuts due to expected lower energy costs under new policies but confirmed his commitment to fund LIHEAP if Congress decides otherwise: "If that doesn't happen, and Congress chooses to appropriate the money...I will work with you to make sure that those families do not suffer in that way."
