At a recent hearing in Washington, D.C., U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Chair of the Appropriations Committee, questioned Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. about the proposed elimination of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) from the Fiscal Year 2026 budget.
During their exchange, Secretary Kennedy expressed his commitment to funding LIHEAP if Congress appropriates funds for it in FY 2026. Earlier this month, following Senator Collins’ advocacy, HHS released over $400 million in LIHEAP funding for FY 2025, with Maine receiving $41.6 million.
Senator Collins emphasized the importance of LIHEAP: “The LIHEAP program…is absolutely vital for thousands of older Mainers and low-income families.” She highlighted that the program helps prevent difficult choices between heating and other essentials.
Secretary Kennedy responded affirmatively to working with the committee to restore LIHEAP: “Yeah, absolutely…so many people have come to me over the years and said to me, thank you, your brother saved my life because I didn’t have to choose between food and heat.”
He further explained President Trump’s rationale for eliminating LIHEAP was based on anticipated lower energy costs due to his energy policies. However, Kennedy assured that if these reductions do not occur and Congress provides funding, he will ensure it is spent accordingly.
###
