Bill > HR7069

This bill, the Affordable Food and Energy Act of 2026, aims to expand food assistance benefits by making them available to more households that receive energy assistance. Specifically, it amends the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 to allow states to provide a standard utility allowance, which accounts for heating and cooling costs, to households that have received payments under the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981 (often referred to as LIHEAP) or similar programs, as long as these payments exceeded $20 annually. The bill also clarifies that energy assistance payments made by a state on behalf of a household will be treated as if the household received the money directly, and expenses paid by the state for energy assistance will be considered out-of-pocket expenses for the household, both of which can help households qualify for or receive higher food assistance benefits.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/7069/all-info