Lawmakers Form First Extreme Heat Caucus, Focusing on Preventing Heat-Related Deaths
The House of Representatives has just launched its first caucus dedicated to addressing extreme heat. This initiative is led by a Democrat from the Southwest, Greg Stanton, and a Republican from the Northeast, Mike Lawler. The goal of the Congressional Extreme Heat Caucus is to find bipartisan solutions to combat the deadly risks associated with rising temperatures.
In a recent statement, Rep. Stanton emphasized the importance of being proactive in preparing the United States for the inevitable increase in temperatures. He highlighted that extreme heat is not just a problem in Arizona and the Southwest but a nationwide issue that requires immediate attention. Stanton’s co-chair, Rep. Lawler, echoed these sentiments, noting that extreme heat is responsible for more American deaths each year than any other weather event.
The formation of the Heat Caucus comes at a crucial time, as climate change continues to exacerbate heatwaves across the country. Both Stanton and Lawler recognize the urgent need to raise awareness and implement measures to protect communities from the dangers of extreme heat.
One of the key priorities of the caucus is to address the disproportionate impact of extreme heat on low-income families. The lawmakers are advocating for more equitable distribution of funding for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to ensure that all states have access to cooling assistance. Currently, the majority of LIHEAP funding goes towards cold-weather states, leaving many vulnerable populations without the resources needed to stay cool during heatwaves.
In addition to advocating for policy changes, the caucus is also focused on supporting workforce programs that address heat-related issues. Stanton and Lawler recently protested the workforce reductions at the Department of Health and Human Services, which could negatively impact heat-related programs. They emphasize the importance of maintaining these programs, especially as temperatures continue to rise.
As the Heat Caucus begins its work, lawmakers are encouraged to bring forward bipartisan ideas and collaborate on solutions to combat extreme heat. While there may be disagreements on certain policies, the goal is to find common ground and work towards effective legislation that protects all Americans from the dangers of rising temperatures.
The formation of the Congressional Extreme Heat Caucus marks a significant step towards addressing the deadly risks associated with extreme heat and ensuring the safety and well-being of communities across the country. This bipartisan initiative demonstrates a commitment to prioritizing public health and environmental issues in Congress.
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This article is a rewritten version of the original article titled “Lawmakers Form First Extreme Heat Caucus, Citing ‘Deadly Risk’” by Ariel Wittenberg & E&E News. It was originally published on POLITICO, LLC in 2025.
