Affording the Heat of Summer

Arkansans are no strangers to the summer heat, especially in southern Arkansas, where high humidity levels and heat index values of 105+ have become the norm this summer. Trying to beat the summer heat is no joke, and when coupled with record-high gas and grocery prices, Arkansans may be forced to cut corners to afford to stay cool.

According to the latest preliminary federal data, tens of millions of Americans struggle to pay their energy bills. Last year, one-third of U.S. households reported cutting corners or reducing their day-to-day expenses in order to pay their energy bills and cool their homes. I refuse to sit back while Americans continue to drown in record-high energy prices and suffer the consequences of misguided energy policies. 

I’m committed to putting this issue at the front and center for the American people. That’s why I took the lead alongside other House Republicans to introduce and pass the Lower Energy Costs Act. The bill will end the misguided war on American energy by incentivizing domestic energy production, cutting the bureaucratic red tape for critical energy infrastructure projects, boosting our economy, and lowering energy costs for hardworking Americans.

The Lower Energy Costs Act is projected to lower energy costs for American families by approximately $795 annually… Yet, liberal Democrats in the Senate refuse to prioritize the needs of Americans and advance this bill. Hardworking Americans deserve the right to enjoy the summer months with family and friends, rather than worry about how they will afford to keep their families cool at home.

As we continue to try to fight the heat of summer, I encourage you to check on your neighbors during sweltering hot days, drink plenty of water, monitor the local news for health and safety updates, and rest assured knowing that I will continue working in Congress to lower the cost to cool your home on hot summer days.