The Low Income Energy Assistance Program, commonly shortened to LIHEAP, dates back to the 1970s.
Today, it provides seasonal one-time support to low income residents who can't afford utilities during winter and summer months.
Individuals and families do not directly receive the payments, which are instead routed to the utilities.
Republican Sen. Brandon Smith, who chairs the Interim Joint Natural Resources and Energy Committee, applauded LIHEAP for helping households avoid having their power shut off.
"These programs have been so critical in saving the few families that we can from literally collapsing," Smith said Thursday. "And even as the rates have gone up, you see more and more people go to it. The LIHEAP has been one of the most effective tools we've had to get it into the hands. I can't say that about all the programs, but this has been a remarkable one."
But the Trump administration has targeted the program for elimination, citing a 15-year-old report that uncovered some fraud and abuse. NPR reports a federal task force has since made recommendations that have been implemented.
The White House also argues the program is unnecessary because of state policies that prohibit utility disconnection, but those policies still require payment for the heating and cooling.