June 10, 2025
Mr. Gottheimer (for himself and Mr. Lawler) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Education and Workforce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned
To amend the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981 to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to satisfy certain staffing requirements relating to low-income home energy assistance, and for other purposes.
Section 1. Short title
This Act may be known as the LIHEAP Staffing Support Act
.
Sec. 2. Minimum staffing requirements for low-income home energy assistance
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981 (42 U.S.C. 8621 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:
2613. Staffing
(a) In general
The Secretary shall employ at least 20 staff who carry out this title.
(b) Limitation on employment of contractors
Except as provided in subsection (c)(2), no more than 40 percent of staff who carry out this title may be contractors.
(c) Emergency staffing
(1) In general
In the case of an emergency determined under section 2603(1)(C), (E), (F), or (G), the Secretary shall employ at least 30 staff who carry out this title during the period—
(A)
beginning not later than 45 days after the date of such determination; and
(B)
ending no earlier than 180 days after the date of such determination.
(2) Employment of contractors
The Secretary may hire contractors to comply with the requirements of paragraph (1) in a number that exceeds the limitation set forth in subsection (b).