The cost of natural gas has taken its toll on the average family budget here in the 9th District and across the nation.

There is a federal program called the Low Income Heating Energy and Assistance Program (LIHEAP) that is designed to take the edge off of high heating costs for low income residents by assisting them with their bills. Making sure LIHEAP is adequately funded has been a budget priority of mine and other members of the 110th Congress since taking office.

In the meantime, it is time that we also begin the search for an alternative to natural gas. The cost of it has been steadily rising with no relief in sight, and I believe that it's time that you're given some better options for keeping your family warm in the wintertime.