Trump’s FY2027 budget would eliminate funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, cutting off support for approximately 6 million low-income households that rely on LIHEAP to afford home heating and cooling.

This proposal comes at a time when energy insecurity is already severe. One in six U.S. households is behind on energy bills. Total utility debt has reached roughly $25 billion. More than 37% of households earning under $50,000 reported being unable to pay an energy bill at least once in the past year. And energy costs continue to spike.

The need is growing. This summer, average residential cooling costs are projected to reach $778, up 8.5% from last year and more than 37% since 2020. Rising electricity prices, hotter summers, and longer cooling seasons are making it harder for families to keep their homes safe.

For low-income households, a higher utility bill can mean impossible tradeoffs between electricity, rent, food, medicine, and other basic needs. Extreme heat and cold can be dangerous, especially for older adults, people with disabilities, young children, people with chronic health conditions, and households without reliable heating or cooling.

Congress must reject Trump’s proposal to eliminate LIHEAP and instead provide $7 billion for LIHEAP in FY2027. This must include $6 billion in base funding and $1 billion in contingency funds to respond to extreme weather and sudden energy price spikes.

Click “Start Writing” to tell Congress to protect and increase LIHEAP funding now.