Washington Action Days of the Past
The National Energy Assistance Report
2007; First Quarter
Washington Action Day for LIHEAP Attracts Largest Turnout
On February 1, the National Fuel Funds Network’s fifth annual Washington Action Day for LIHEAP brought 145 NFFN members and LIHEAP supporters to the nation’s capital to lobby Congressional delegations for increased funding for the federal energy assistance program.
The participants met over 40 newly elected Representatives and seven new Senators, as they carried the message that $1 billion in additional funding is needed for this fiscal year and that funding for FY 08 should be raised to $5.1 billion.
This year’s Washington Action Day marked the first time that LIHEAP supporters have come to the Capitol since the Democratic Party won control of both Houses of Congress. With new leadership in the Congress and many new members Action Day took on new significance.
The National Energy Assistance Report
2006; First Quarter
Washington Action Day Participants Lobby for LIHEAP
The 4th annual Washington Action Day for LIHEAP, on February 1, brought about 125 NFFN members and LIHEAP supporters to the Capital to urge their Congressional delegations to support increased funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.
Action Day participants joined in a Capitol Hill news conference with eight Senators, who called upon their colleagues to pass legislation providing additional funding for LIHEAP for this winter. Sens. Jack Reed (D-RI), Ted Kennedy (D-MA), Blanche Lincoln (D-AR), Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Jim Jeffords (I-VT), Tom Harkin (D-IA), and Paul Sarbanes (D-MD) took turns explaining to reporters how vital energy assistance is to so many people this winter and how important it is to provide adequate funding for the program. Close to 40 newspapers, CNN and Fox News carried the story.
The National Energy Assistance Report
2003; First Quarter
NFFN’s Washington Day of Action spurs Congressional Action on LIHEAP
On January 8, 2003, twenty NFFN members and allies engaged in the Network’s first Washington Action Day for LIHEAP. Members in eight other states organized press conferences, letter writing and petition campaigns, and other activities to support increased funding for the program.
“The National Fuel Funds Network was the only organization among LIHEAP advocates who took the step of calling its members to Washington,” said Carol Clements. “The move paid off because our Action Day pressed many of the buttons that activate the gears in the federal machinery that gets the LIHEAP funding on the street,’ she continued.
NFFN members participated in a blustery outdoor Capitol Hill press conference with the members of the Senate and House Northeast-Midwest Coalitions including by Senators Jack Reed (D-RI), Jim Jeffords (I-VT), Lincoln Chafee (R-RI), and Hillary Clinton (D-NY); and Congressmen Marty Meehan (D-MA), Jesse Jackson (D-IL), Jack Quinn (R-NY) and Bobby Rush (D-IL).
Speaking at the news conference, Ms. Clements urged President Bush to “please lead the country out of a looming home energy emergency” by supporting increased funding for LIHEAP.
“A resounding success” referring to Action Day.
NFFN Chairperson Greg Sawyers; 2007
“Last night, the President talked about working with Congress to solve this country’s problems, and I can’t think of a better first step than for him to join with Congress to provide additional heating aid…to help Americans get through the winter.”
Senator Clinton, reffering to the Presidents State of the Union Address; 2006
"As energy prices skyrocket, the federal government must step up to the plate and fulfill its commitment to help Americans who are struggling to heat their homes. While families across Vermont feel the financial squeeze from out-of-control heating costs, Washington has failed to fund LIHEAP with even half the dollars we promised. The Administration and Congress must address this unacceptable situation immediately."
Senator Jeffords; 2006
“Federal energy assistance programs play an important role each year in helping low-income Arkansans meet their heating and cooling needs...Unfortunately the economic relief we might have had from milder temperatures this winter was cancelled out by record high energy costs. This is strapping our working families who are already feeling the pinch of higher gas prices, stagnant wages and ever-increasing health care costs.”
Senator Lincoln; 2006