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THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Vice President

For Immediate Release June 24, 1998

                   STATEMENT BY VICE PRESIDENT GORE 
                      ON THE ELIMINATION OF THE 
                 LOW INCOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Last night, Republicans in the House cast a vote against America's families by voting to eliminate the low-income home energy assistance program.

One of the most important ways our national government helps America's most hard-pressed families is by providing them with heating assistance during the cold winter months. Unfortunately, as a result of the Republicans' action, over 4 million American families will lose the energy assistance that helps them heat their homes through the winter.

Put simply, the House Republicans yesterday voted to put the elderly, people with disabilities and poor families with children out in the cold.

As we all know, winters in our nation can be long and brutal. During this difficult period, no Americans should have to choose between feeding their family or protecting them from the bitter cold.

President Clinton and I will fight these efforts. We are committed to ensuring the protection of America's families.

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