Immediate Impact on Program Operation
The Trump administration's abrupt layoff of the entire (LIHEAP) staff, part of a broader HHS restructuring, has left states questioning the disbursement of remaining funds.
States like , facing ongoing winter conditions, express urgent need for additional federal funding to assist over 130,000 households with heating and electric bills.
Congressional and State Response
A bipartisan group of 13 U.S. senators, including two Republicans, has urged Health Secretary to reverse the staffing cuts, emphasizing the program's critical support for low-income families.
State officials and lawmakers criticize the cuts as potentially devastating to LIHEAP, with concerns over the program's collapse without federal support.