Vice President Kamala Harris’ latest claim sparked criticism from Twitter.
During a speech at Bowie State University in Maryland Wednesday, Harris said, “For working families, we have reduced heating and electricity bills so folks have more money in their pockets to buy things like schools supplies, replace the dishwasher or take a family vacation.”
VP HARRIS: "We have reduced heating and electricity bills so folks have more money in their pocket to buy things like school supplies, replace the dishwasher or take a family vacation." pic.twitter.com/SCqxNurZXO
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) February 22, 2023
In response, one user called Harris a “pathological liar.”
She's a pathological liar.
— Kerry 🇺🇸 (@K1erry) February 23, 2023
Podcast host Shawn McBreairty tweeted, “Is [Vice President Kamala Harris] the dumbest person in the White House, or simply a close second? No one and I mean no one in America has seen reductions in our energy bills.”
Is @VP the dumbest person in the White House, or simply a close second? No one and I mean no one in America has seen reductions in our energy bills. https://t.co/DE6xsfiVTR
— Shawn McBreairty 🇺🇸 (@ShawnMcBreairty) February 23, 2023
Rep. Tom Tiffany (R-WI) wrote, “At this point, does Kamala just like lying to the American people or is she really that detached from reality?”
At this point, does Kamala just like lying to the American people or is she really that detached from reality?
— Rep. Tom Tiffany (@RepTiffany) February 23, 2023
Electricity: ⬆️ 11.9%
Natural Gas: ⬆️ 26.7% https://t.co/OfcrCqB8pd
Journalist Patrick Henningsen added, “That’s it folks, she’s changed the economy. You can now go ahead and book that dream holiday…”
That’s it folks, she’s changed the economy. You can now go ahead and book that dream holiday… https://t.co/YvkBdpIUCp
— Patrick Henningsen (@21WIRE) February 23, 2023
Co-founder of Women for America First Amy Kremer argued Harris is “an idiot for believing what she is saying or for reading what someone wrote…probably both.”
She's an idiot for believing what she is saying or for reading what someone wrote…probably both. https://t.co/9lHKDViA07
— Amy Kremer (@AmyKremer) February 23, 2023
Read more responses below:
Yeah because I’m always like, “Should I buy school supplies or take a family vacation??” 🤔
— Ryan Ledendecker (@LedStorms) February 22, 2023
https://twitter.com/scottisbell_/status/1628535854099533826
@VP you really need to see our bills. You’re as outta touch as your boss. My heating bills were $200-250 during winter 2017,18,19&20. Now over $375 and it’s a mild winter. Another joke of a VP. A democrat standard.
— Joe Billie (@billie4congress) February 23, 2023
Did you just say you reduced heating costs?
— Paul Gazelka (@paulgazelka) February 23, 2023
My utility bill was $390 which was about $150 more than usual resulting in massive increase. So who is she referring to?
— REIBrian5 (@reibrian5) February 22, 2023
Last month, USA Today reported that the number of households receiving assistance with energy this winter alone increased by roughly 1.3 million, from 4.9 million to 6.2 million, citing policy organization National Energy Assistance Directors Association.
The outlet noted applications to apply for assistance are made through the federal social services Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program in each individual state across the country.
“These numbers don’t even account for possible increases in applications this summer to help families pay for air-conditioning as they deal with rising temperatures due to climate change,” Mark Wolfe, executive director for the National Energy Assistance Directors Association, told USA Today.
He added, “We could hit record levels of applications this year if current trends continue.”
Additionally, it was reported by the outlet that families are having a hard time paying energy bills as well as acquiring other essential needs, including food and rent.
Prices for groceries notably increased by 10.4% annually in December while rent spiked approximately 7.5%, per USA Today.