Due to the GOP push for a 1 percent across-the-board cut on FY 2006 discretionary spending, funding for LIHEAP - the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program - is down to $2.16 billion, a significant decrease from last year's $2.18 billion funding level. This figure falls far short of the $5.1 billion authorized by the comprehensive energy law enacted last year, and also far short of the need that exists, particularly in northeastern states. State LIHEAP directors are estimating that applications for home heating aid in 2005 were up, on average, 10 percent -- to roughly 5.6 million applicants. As it is, LIHEAP only serves one in five families who are eligible for the assistance.

David Fox, the executive director of the Campaign for Home Energy Assistance, noted that the situation means "there are more people competing in essence for the same pool of money." The budget reconciliation bill, which is pending in the House, does contain an extra $1 billion in LIHEAP funding, yet includes a number of other contentious cuts. That funding, however, would not be available until October 1, leaving many families literally out in the cold this winter.