During a 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, questioned HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. regarding the proposed elimination of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
Secretary Kennedy assured that if Congress appropriates funds for LIHEAP in FY 2026, they will be allocated accordingly.
Senator Collins highlighted that LIHEAP is essential for many elderly and low-income families in Maine to meet basic needs like heating their homes without sacrificing other necessities such as food and medication. She expressed concern over its proposed elimination despite recent funding releases.
“Will you work with this Committee in trying to restore LIHEAP so that we can avoid, literally, seniors and low-income families not being able to keep warm in the winter?” Senator Collins asked during her dialogue with Secretary Kennedy.
Secretary Kennedy responded affirmatively: “Yeah, absolutely, and I’m from New England myself… If we cut LIHEAP, Navajo will die from it. So, I understand the critical historical importance of this program.”
He further explained President Trump’s rationale for cutting LIHEAP was based on anticipated energy policy changes aimed at reducing heating costs nationwide. However, he stated his willingness to allocate funds should Congress choose to appropriate them: “If that doesn’t happen, and Congress chooses to appropriate the money, I, of course, will spend it.”
Recently under Senator Collins’ influence, more than $400 million was released for LIHEAP funding for FY 2025 with Maine receiving $41.6 million.
