Welch Concerned LIHEAP Will Be Lost In Holiday Wrap UP

(Host) Congressman Peter Welch says he's confident that the House and Senate will avoid a government shutdown this weekend.

But he says there are two other issues important to Vermonters that might get lost in Washington's rush to wrap up work before the holidays.

(Welch) "My concern is on the payroll tax to make certain it's paid for. It's to really continue this effort to get LIHEAP funded at least at last year's level."

(Host) A temporary tax cut tax that most Americans pay through their paychecks to support Social Security is scheduled to expire.

Efforts to extend it have gotten caught up in the politics of budgets and spending in Washington.

Vermont's congressional delegation also has been trying to preserve money for the low-income heating assistance program known as LIHEAP.

Welch says he's working to get the program funded at the same level as last year. He says even at that, many Vermonters may go cold this winter because fuel prices have risen.