The government shutdown is delaying an assistance program families use to heat homes

The shutdown has delayed federal funding for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP, which helps millions of people in the U.S. pay their heating or cooling bills.

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP, helps about 6 million U.S. households pay energy bills, buy fuel, or fix broken heaters. The shutdown has stalled funds.

(Image credit: Jessica Hill)