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NASCSP Hails Unanimous Committee Approval of WAP Reauthorization Bill

Washington, D.C. — On Wednesday, December 3, the House Energy and Commerce Committee advanced H.R. 1355, the Weatherization Enhancement and Readiness Act, by a unanimous vote of 50-0. The bipartisan bill, led by Reps. Paul Tonko (D-NY) and Mike Lawler (R-NY), could move next to the full House of Representatives for further consideration. As amended, H.R. 1355 would reauthorize the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) through 2030. WAP would be authorized to receive $300 million in fiscal years 2026-2028, and would see increased authorizations in fiscal years 2029 ($325 million) and 2030 ($350 million). The bill also would raise the statutory cap on the Average Cost Per Unit (ACPU) from $6,500 to $12,000 and require the Department of Energy to report to Congress on the impacts of any WAP Enhancement and Innovation grants focused on weatherization readiness. “We are thrilled that H.R. 1355 cleared the Energy and Commerce Committee this afternoon,” said Cheryl Williams, Executive Director of the National Association of State Community Services Programs (NASCSP). “Since its establishment in 1976, the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) has provided a lifeline for low-income families, seniors, and those living with disabilities. At a time of rising energy costs, we are grateful to Chair Guthrie, Subcommittee Chair Latta, Ranking Member Pallone, Subcommittee Ranking Member Castor, and, of course, Reps. Tonko and Lawler for their work across the aisle to advance this important legislation.” NASCSP and the AnnDyl Policy Group are also working to advance the Senate WAP reauthorization companion bills, S. 2570, the Energy Savings and Weatherization Reauthorization Act, introduced by Sen. Chris Coons (D-DE) and cosponsored by Sens. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Susan Collins (R-ME), Jack Reed (D-RI), and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), as well as S. 1342, the Weatherization Assistance Program Improvements Act, introduced by Sen. Reed, and cosponsored by Sens. Collins, Shaheen, Coons, and Murkowski. Established in 1978, NASCSP is the sole national association charged with advocating and enhancing the leadership role of states in the administration of the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) and the Weatherization Assistance Program. Its membership consists of state administrators of CSBG and WAP.   Media Contact: Beck Pasquale | bpasquale@nascsp.org