House joins Senate to fund low-income HVAC program

For the second time in less than two months, a Congressional committee has moved to fund a federal program that helps low-income families repair or replace their HVAC equipment, despite the Trump administration’s plans to slash it. 

What’s happening: A U.S. House Appropriations Subcommittee on Tuesday night approved a 2026 budget that includes nearly $4.04 billion for the ‘Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program’ (LIHEAP), a $10 million increase over its current funding level. 

• The Senate Appropriations Committee in late July budgeted nearly $4.05 billion for the program, a $20 million increase over this year’s level. 

Why it matters: Both the House and Senate proposing funding for LIHEAP is a good sign that the program, which helps about six million households a year, will continue. 

• Yes, but: This spring, the Trump administration slashed the program’s staff and proposed defunding it entirely, arguing that the president’s policies would lower energy prices, making the program unnecessary.  

What they’re saying: “While there is still uncertainty in the timing of funding approval and release, we are confident that LIHEAP will receive at least level funding, and likely a small increase, for next year,” the National Energy Assistance Directors Association (NEADA), a group that represents states in securing LIHEAP funding, said in an email.

What we’re watching: The full House Appropriations Committee should vote on the budget next week, with Congress aiming to send a final version to the president before October 1.