Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz Introduces HEATS Act to Protect Families’ Access to Energy Assistance During Government Shutdowns
Palm Desert, CA – Today, Congressman Raul Ruiz introduced the Home Energy Assistance in Times of Shutdown Act (HEATS Act), legislation that ensures families in need can continue receiving critical home energy assistance, even during a government shutdown like the one currently impacting families in California’s 25th district.
The HEATS Act guarantees continued funding for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)during a government shutdown by authorizing the U.S. Treasury to provide the necessary resources. This will ensure that vulnerable households, particularly seniors, children, and those with medical conditions, can continue to afford heating, air conditioning, and energy services when they need them most.
“No family should be forced to choose between heating or cooling their home and putting food on the table, especially during a government shutdown,” said Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz (CA-25). “In desert communities like ours, access to air conditioning during periods of extreme heat is not a luxury, it’s a matter of life and death. The HEATS Act protects low-income families with the assurance that they can keep the lights on and their homes safe and cool.”
Background
LIHEAP helps millions of low-income households each year afford energy costs, particularly during extreme weather seasons. In hot, arid regions like California’s 25th District, reliable access to air conditioning during summer months is critical to preventing heat-related illness and death. However, when the federal government shuts down, the program’s funding can be delayed or disrupted—leaving families dangerously exposed during periods of extreme temperatures.
The HEATS Act provides a safeguard by authorizing the Treasury to transfer necessary funds to keep LIHEAP operating during any lapse in federal discretionary appropriations. This measure is especially urgent as Russell Vought, the former Director of the Office of Management and Budget, has threatened to pull funding for LIHEAP and other critical safety net programs amid the ongoing shutdown. Congressman Ruiz is a cosponsor of this legislation.
This bill complements the bipartisan LIHEAP Staffing Support Act (H.R. 3876), which provides a permanent solution to strengthen LIHEAP operations and ensure states have the staffing and resources they need to deliver assistance efficiently year-round.