(Warwick, R.I.) Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI) today applauded the release of $450 million in energy assistance to help seniors and working families keep the heat on this winter.

“I am glad that the Bush Administration responded to calls from Congress to release emergency funding under the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to help seniors and working families keep the heat on this winter,” said Langevin.  “With this funding, many Rhode Island social service agencies will be able to help some of their neediest clients.”

Rhode Island will receive $4,464,680 in LIHEAP funding to help low-income Rhode Island families pay their heating bills at a time when many Americans are paying record home heating prices.  This winter, Americans using heating oil will pay more than $2,000 per family – over three times the cost in 2001.

“This type of bipartisan cooperation bodes well for American families as we work quickly to address the serious challenges of high energy prices and the slowing economy this year,” continued Langevin.

The 110th Congress included $2.6 billion in LIHEAP funding in omnibus recently enacted – a $400 million increase over last year.

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