HEATS Act

The proposed "Home Energy Assistance in Times of Shutdown Act," or HEATS Act , is designed to guarantee the uninterrupted operation of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) during periods of federal government shutdowns. Its primary purpose is to safeguard critical energy assistance for vulnerable households when discretionary appropriations lapse. Specifically, the bill mandates the appropriation of necessary sums from the Treasury to ensure that payments under section 2602(b) of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981 can continue without interruption. This provision aims to prevent low-income individuals and families from losing access to essential home energy assistance due to government funding impasses.