H.R. 5756 · Where this bill is now
In committee
Introduced in the House, sent to the Committee on Appropriations, Oct 14, 2025
What this bill does
In plain words · AI-written from the official summaryKeeps home heating aid flowing during shutdowns
When the federal government shuts down because lawmakers can't agree on a budget, many programs stop getting money. This bill makes sure that doesn't happen to LIHEAP, a program that helps low-income households pay for heat and other home energy costs. It sets aside funding so states, tribes, and territories can keep sending out these assistance payments even when the government isn't fully operating.
How it affects you
If you're a low-income household receiving help paying for heat or electricity, this means your assistance wouldn't stop just because there's a government shutdown. States and local programs that run these services would also be able to keep working without interruption during budget standoffs.
Read the official summary (Introduced in House, Oct 14, 2025)
Home Energy Assistance in Times of Shutdown Act or the HEATS Act
This bill provides appropriations for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) during any period in which there is a lapse in discretionary appropriations for any fiscal year (i.e., a government shutdown). Under LIHEAP, the federal government makes annual grants to states, tribes, and territories to operate home energy assistance programs for low-income households. The bill provides appropriations for LIHEAP payments to continue during a government shutdown.
Written by AI (Claude) using only the official summary by the Congressional Research Service, the Library of Congress’s nonpartisan research staff. It can miss nuance, so check the official summary and the bill text for details.
1st SessionH. R. 5756
A BILL
HEATS Act
Sponsor: Rep. Raul Ruiz (D-CA-25) · Introduced Oct 14, 2025 · Energy · 1 version of the text
Sources: Congress.gov actions and votes · bill text from GovInfo · latest official action Oct 14, 2025: “Referred to the House Committee on Appropriations.”