HB 5687 would appropriate funds from the Treasury to make LIHEAP payments during periods when discretionary appropriations lapse, specifically for fiscal year 2026. The funds would cover payments under section 2602(b) of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981 at a rate equal to the corresponding month of FY2025.
In effect, the bill creates a backstop so energy assistance can continue during a shutdown without disrupting LIHEAP's existing statutory framework. It relies on money not otherwise appropriated and does not create new base funding outside the lapse window.
No policy changes to LIHEAP eligibility or benefit levels are proposed; the measure focuses on funding continuity for a defined risk period.
At a Glance
What It Does
During any lapse in discretionary appropriations in FY2026, the bill appropriates amounts not otherwise appropriated to fund LIHEAP payments under 42 U.S.C. 8621(b) at the rate of payments in the corresponding month of FY2025.
Who It Affects
LIHEAP recipients and state LIHEAP offices, plus local energy assistance providers that administer payments under the LIHEAP program.
Why It Matters
It ensures energy assistance remains available during a shutdown, preventing gaps in support for low-income households facing high heating costs and maintaining continuity with LIHEAP rules.
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What This Bill Actually Does
The Keep the Heat On Act of 2025 is a targeted funding backstop for LIHEAP. It would authorize Treasury funds not otherwise appropriated to make LIHEAP payments during any lapse in discretionary appropriations in fiscal year 2026.
The payments would be made under 42 U.S.C. 8621(b) at a rate equal to the corresponding month’s payment level in FY2025, keeping benefit delivery steady even when the broader federal budget is stalled. The measure does not alter LIHEAP eligibility or benefit amounts; it simply ensures funding continuity within the existing program framework.
The bill relies on existing LIHEAP authorities and does not create new permanent funding outside the lapse window.
The Five Things You Need to Know
The bill creates a funding backstop for LIHEAP during a lapse in discretionary appropriations in FY2026.
Payments are set at the FY2025 monthly rate for the corresponding month.
Funding comes from Treasury money not otherwise appropriated.
The authority references 42 U.S.C. 8621(b) for LIHEAP payments.
Introduced Oct 3, 2025, in the 119th Congress by Rep. Pappas.
Section-by-Section Breakdown
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Short Title
This section designates the act as the Keep the Heat On Act of 2025. It provides the citation for reference and does not by itself alter LIHEAP funding or policy.
Funding for LIHEAP during a Federal Government Shutdown
During any lapse in discretionary appropriations in fiscal year 2026, this section would authorize an appropriation from the Treasury for LIHEAP payments under 42 U.S.C. 8621(b). The funds would be available to make payments at the rate of payments in the corresponding month of FY2025. The appropriation is drawn from money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated and is intended to maintain energy assistance during the lapse period without modifying LIHEAP’s eligibility or benefit structure.
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Every bill creates winners and losers. Here's who stands to gain and who bears the cost.
Who Benefits
- Low-income households relying on LIHEAP for energy bills will continue receiving assistance during shutdown periods, reducing risk of energy insecurity.
- State LIHEAP offices that administer grants and payments will have a stable funding stream to operate during lapses in annual appropriations.
- Local energy assistance providers, such as Community Action Agencies, will be able to maintain program delivery and vendor payments during a lapse.
- Utilities and energy providers serving LIHEAP-eligible customers may experience fewer arrears and disconnections due to uninterrupted subsidies.
Who Bears the Cost
- Federal Treasury funding required to cover LIHEAP payments during lapse periods, funded by money not otherwise appropriated.
- Taxpayers bear the ultimate cost of backstopped LIHEAP funding during a shutdown.
- Administrative and implementation costs for LIHEAP administrators who must manage the backstop during the lapse period.
- If the lapse period is extended, there could be opportunity costs relative to other discretionary programs.
Key Issues
The Core Tension
The central dilemma is whether to prioritize immediate energy assistance continuity during a shutdown by drawing on Treasury funds not otherwise appropriated, potentially at the cost of broader discretionary budgeting flexibility and longer-term LIHEAP funding commitments.
The bill creates a narrow, time-bound funding backstop tied to a lapse in discretionary appropriations in FY2026. This raises questions about trigger definitions (what constitutes a ‘lapse’ and how quickly funds must flow), and how the monthly FY2025 rate would be calculated in practice if actual costs diverge from projected patterns.
It does not adjust LIHEAP eligibility, benefit levels, or general funding ceilings outside the lapse window, so it relies on existing program structures for administration. Oversight, reporting, and coordination with states are not specified, leaving implementation details to the appropriations process and LIHEAP administrators.
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