Shortchanging communities Lawmakers rip Trump, RFK after staff who administered critical heating assistance program fired

The recent termination of staff overseeing the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) has ignited significant backlash from federal lawmakers, who are calling for the Trump administration to reverse cuts to the Department of Health and Human Services. Senator Patty Murray expressed that the changes could lead to financial devastation for struggling families and vulnerable seniors, particularly during extreme weather conditions. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced plans to cut the agency's workforce by 25%, a move projected to save $1.

8 billion annually. LIHEAP has been a lifeline for low-income households for over four decades, distributing essential heating grants. In 2025, Washington received $66. 2 million in funding for the program, which benefited more than 84,000 households. Lawmakers, including Senators Murray and Tammy Baldwin, have questioned the rationale behind these drastic budget cuts, suggesting they undermine public health.

Additionally, concerns have been raised regarding the ability of local agencies to enroll beneficiaries amid these changes. The Spokane Neighborhood Action Partners, which administers LIHEAP locally, has stated that while the situation is unprecedented, there are no immediate changes to operations.