The plan argues the program is unnecessary, but it faces bipartisan resistance in Congress as energy costs remain elevated nationwide.
WASHINGTON โ President Donald Trump is again proposing to eliminate a federal program that helps low-income households pay their heating and cooling bills, according to his latest budget plan.
The proposal calls for cutting the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP, which provides assistance to millions of Americans struggling with energy costs. The administrationโs budget outlines a $4 billion reduction tied to ending the program.
โFor the sixth time, the Budget proposes to end this program,โ the document states, arguing that broader energy policies would lower costs and make the assistance unnecessary. The administration described LIHEAP as โunnecessary,โ saying many states already have protections in place to prevent utility shutoffs and that the program primarily benefits utility companies.
The budget proposal comes as energy costs remain elevated. As of February, consumers were paying about 11% more for gas utilities and 4.8% more for electricity compared with a year earlier.
The budget also cited past concerns about fraud and misuse within the program, including cases involving ineligible applicants.
Congress would be required to approve the budget proposal to eliminate LIHEAP, however, it has historically received support from both sides of the aisle. Lawmakers from both parties have continued to back the program as a critical safety net for low-income households.
Democrats quickly criticized the proposed plan. โAfter sending prices skyrocketing with his stupid tariffs and reckless war, President Trump is now proposing to eliminate programs that help families afford the basicsโlike LIHEAP,โ Sen. Patty Murray of Washington said in a statement.
