Pappas Votes to Pass Government Funding Bill, Delivering Increased Heating Assistance to NH Families

Today, Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) issued the following statement after voting for a continuing resolution to fund the U.S. government:

“Today I supported the continuing resolution to keep our government open,” said Congressman Pappas. “This resolution is vital in keeping the doors open at essential federal agencies and investing in programs New Hampshire families rely on, including LIHEAP. LIHEAP is an essential program that helps keep families safe, healthy, and warm in the Granite State, and I’m pleased the additional funding I called for is being provided in this legislation. The next step in keeping crucial government services funded is securing a full appropriations bill for the fiscal year 2023, and I am committed to working with my colleagues to pass a full year funding bill and put an end to the practice of passing repeated continuing resolutions.”

This package includes $1 billion in emergency funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) which assists individuals and families with the costs of heating and cooling their homes and helps to mitigate the impacts of rising energy costs and extreme weather events. In August, Pappas joined a bipartisan, bicameral push to increase emergency funding for LIHEAP. 

It allows the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to obligate up to the full year amount available under the Continuing Resolution for the Disaster Relief Fund to respond to declared disasters such as Hurricane Ian in Florida, Hurricane Fiona in Puerto Rico, and a severe storm, flooding, and landslides in Alaska.

Additionally, $12.35 billion is included for assistance related to Ukraine, including training, equipment, weapons, logistics support, and direct financial support for the government of Ukraine.