H.R.3876 - LIHEAP Staffing Support Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.3876, the LIHEAP Staffing Support Act, aims to amend the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981. The bill directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to ensure minimum staffing levels for the LIHEAP program. It mandates at least 20 staff members and sets limits on the use of contractors, with exceptions during declared emergencies.
Expected Effects
The bill will likely increase the number of staff dedicated to LIHEAP, potentially improving the program's efficiency and reach. During emergencies, the bill allows for increased staffing flexibility through contractors. This could lead to faster and more effective responses to energy crises affecting low-income households.
Potential Benefits
- Increased staffing may lead to quicker processing of applications for energy assistance.
- More dedicated staff could improve outreach to eligible households, ensuring more people receive aid.
- The bill allows for surge staffing during emergencies, providing flexibility to address urgent needs.
- By limiting the use of contractors under normal circumstances, the bill could create more stable, permanent government jobs.
- Enhanced program administration could lead to better allocation of resources and reduced waste.
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased staffing could increase administrative costs, potentially reducing the amount of funds available for direct assistance.
- The bill does not specify the source of funding for the additional staff, which could strain existing resources.
- The reliance on contractors during emergencies, while providing flexibility, may lead to inconsistencies in service delivery.
- The definition of 'emergency' is tied to existing law, which may not cover all situations requiring additional staffing support.
- There is no guarantee that increased staffing will automatically translate to improved program outcomes.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Constitution's general welfare clause, as it aims to provide assistance to low-income households with their energy needs. Specifically, the preamble states the Constitution is intended to "promote the general Welfare". The bill's provisions fall under the legislative powers granted to Congress in Article I, Section 8, which includes the power to appropriate funds and enact laws necessary to carry out the government's responsibilities. The bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).