Keep the Heat On Act of 2025
Summary
The Keep the Heat On Act of 2025 is a bill introduced in the House of Representatives to appropriate funds for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) during a federal government shutdown. Specifically, it aims to ensure that LIHEAP payments continue at the same rate as the corresponding month of fiscal year 2025 during any lapse in discretionary appropriations in fiscal year 2026.
The bill addresses concerns about vulnerable populations potentially losing access to essential energy assistance during government shutdowns. It seeks to provide a financial safety net to maintain consistent support for low-income households.
This proposed legislation directly targets the funding gap that arises during government shutdowns, ensuring the continuity of a critical social program.
Expected Effects
If enacted, the Keep the Heat On Act of 2025 would ensure the continuation of LIHEAP funding during a federal government shutdown in fiscal year 2026. This would prevent a disruption in energy assistance for low-income households.
It would maintain the flow of funds at the same rate as the corresponding month in fiscal year 2025, providing stability and predictability for recipients. This would help prevent vulnerable populations from experiencing energy insecurity during periods of government dysfunction.
The bill would require funds to be drawn from the Treasury, potentially impacting other areas if not offset by spending cuts or revenue increases.
Potential Benefits
- Ensures continued energy assistance for low-income households during government shutdowns.
- Provides stability and predictability in LIHEAP funding.
- Prevents potential energy insecurity and hardship for vulnerable populations.
- Maintains a crucial social safety net during periods of government dysfunction.
- Could reduce the strain on emergency services and other social programs during shutdowns.
Potential Disadvantages
- Could increase the federal budget deficit if not offset by spending cuts or revenue increases.
- May create a precedent for similar funding measures during government shutdowns, potentially leading to fiscal instability.
- The bill's effectiveness depends on the availability of funds in the Treasury.
- Could potentially disincentivize Congress from reaching timely budget agreements.
- May not address the underlying issues that cause government shutdowns.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the general welfare clause of the Constitution, as it aims to provide assistance to low-income households. Article I, Section 8, Clause 1 of the Constitution states that Congress has the power to lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts, and excises, to pay the debts and provide for the common defense and general welfare of the United States.
However, the Constitution does not explicitly address the issue of government shutdowns or the specific funding of programs like LIHEAP during such periods. The bill's reliance on appropriations from the Treasury is consistent with Congress's power of the purse.
Whether the bill represents a sound exercise of congressional power is a matter of policy debate, but it does not appear to violate any specific constitutional provision.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).