WASHINGTON (June 5, 2006) - The National Fuel Funds Network (NFFN) has selected Congressman Bobby L. Rush to receive their Extra Mile Award, for his successful efforts in securing in increasing funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).  The award is presented annually to the national legislator who has “walked the extra mile” in support of LIHEAP. Congressman Rush will receive the award on Monday, June 12, 2006 at a ceremony in during the NFFN’s national conference at the American Gas Association headquarters in Washington, D.C.

 Representative Rush (D-IL) is being honored for his “persistent work in securing passage of the Rush amendment, which increased LIHEAP’s authorization level to $5.1 billion,” which set the stage for the eventual legislation providing $1 billion in additional funds for LIHEAP for the current fiscal year.

Back in March, Congressman Rush was involved in bringing an addition $74 million in LIHEAP funding to Illinois to help area residents deal with the rising energy costs.  That same month, he met with President Bush and urged him to fully fund LIHEAP.