The House Appropriations Committee Tuesday eliminated fiscalyear 1999 funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program(LIHEAP). Last month, the House Appropriations subcommittee onLabor, Health and Human Services and Education zeroed out fundingfor LIHEAP despite the Clinton administration’s request for morethan $1 billion in fiscal year 1999 funding. Tuesday’s actionclears the bill for consideration by the entire House ofRepresentatives.

The American Gas Association (AGA) said it is committed torestoring funding to the program. LIHEAP is a federal block grantprogram that provides funds to help low- and fixed-incomehouseholds pay their energy bills. In fiscal year 1998, Congressappropriated $1 billion for LIHEAP. “This is an extremelyshort-sighted decision,” said Steve Crout, AGA director ofgovernment relations. Among LIHEAP recipients, 46% use natural gasheat. LIHEAP enjoys strong support in the Senate, AGA noted.

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