As most of the nation continued to shiver during a prolonged cold spell, President Bush today provided an additional $200 million in emergency funding to help low-income families pay for their heating bills. 

    Congressman Chris Smith (NJ-4), Dean of the state’s Congressional Delegation and a longtime supporter of increased heating aid funding, had cosigned a letter urging an increase of federal funds provided through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). 

    “I am pleased that President Bush has provided this money to help low-income families pay for their home heating bills,” Smith said. “With much of the region – including our home state – stuck in a frigid cold spell, more families need more help to pay their heating bills.  The President’s action today will help make sure our families will not have to choose between staying warm and paying for food, medicine, or shelter,” Smith said. 

    “With almost two more months of winter, I will continue to carefully monitor the situation and look to add even more assistance if it is needed,” Smith added.  

    The emergency appropriation brings the total amount of money available through LIHEAP to $1.5 billion.  According to the White House, New Jersey will receive $10.36 million of the emergency aid money. 

    All total, about 4.6 million Americans will receive aid through the LIHEAP program this year.