CONGRESS FOR VOTERS

DemocratBill · H.R. 5756· House(119-HR-5756)

HEATS Act

Rep. Ruiz
Age: 54 years
California
Introduced
10/14/2025
Last activity
10/14/2025 — Referred to the House Committee on Appropriations.
Sponsored by
Raul Ruiz
Cosponsors
Democrat - 7Republican - 2
Energy
  1. Introduced
  2. In Committee

What this bill would do

This bill is called the "Home Energy Assistance in Times of Shutdown Act" or the "HEATS Act." Its purpose is to provide funding for LIHEAP when the Federal Government is shut down. It allows the use of money from the Treasury that hasn't been appropriated to cover payments under the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981 during a lapse in discretionary appropriations.

Yes· 3 of 24

  • Would households on low incomes be better off under this?+10

    Directly guarantees energy assistance funding for low-income households during shutdowns.

  • Would people over 65 be better off under this?+7

    Seniors on fixed incomes are highly dependent on LIHEAP for heating.

  • Would retired people be better off under this?+7

    Low-income retirees are a primary demographic for LIHEAP benefits.

The opposite

  • Does this reduce what the federal government owes?-1

    Appropriating additional funds from the Treasury increases government spending.

  • Does this reduce what the federal government spends?-1

    The bill increases spending by providing funding during government shutdowns.

  • Does this make the government pay for what it commits to?-1

    Appropriating funds not otherwise appropriated bypasses standard discretionary appropriation processes.