Fitzpatrick, Golden, Giménez, Kildee Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Reauthorize Essential Firefighter Programs

Press Release

Congressmen Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Jared Golden (D-ME), Carlos Giménez (R-FL), and Dan Kildee (D-MI) announced last Friday the introduction of the Fire Grants and Safety Act, bipartisan legislation to reauthorize and increase federal resources for local fire departments across the nation. The legislation would boost critical federal funds for local fire departments to address staffing shortages, purchase new equipment, and improve training and emergency services.

"Communities across our country rely on local fire departments to keep residents safe in the event of a life-threatening crisis," said Congressman Fitzpatrick. "I am proud to co-lead bipartisan legislation that will support volunteer fire departments and assist with volunteer recruitment and retention."

The federal funds from the Fire Grants and Safety Act would go toward the critical resources that our community fire departments in Pennsylvania need to act swiftly in an emergency. These dollars will allow for purchasing new equipment and training, raising firefighter salaries, and improving volunteer recruitment and retention.

The Fire Grants and Safety Act would reauthorize funding for three key initiatives: the United States Fire Administration (USFA), the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program, and the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant program. The bill is companion legislation to a bipartisan bill introduced in the Senate by Senators Gary Peters (D-MI) and Rob Portman (R-OH).

"The Mainers who make up our fire departments put their lives on the line to protect their neighbors," said Congressman Golden. "The federal government has a responsibility to ensure they have what they need to do their job and do it well. Increasing access to these resources -- especially at a time of staff shortages throughout Maine -- is just common sense. I'm proud to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to help advance this funding for departments in the Second District and across the country."

"As a former fire fighter and Chief of the City of Miami Fire Rescue Department, I know firsthand how crucial these vital programs and resources are to adequately prepare firefighters to respond to emergencies and protect our communities," said Congressman Giménez. "In the past, both Monroe County and Miami-Dade County have benefited immensely from such initiatives. In Congress, it is our responsibility to support firemen as they make every effort to keep communities in South Florida and across the country safe."

"Our fire fighters keep us safe, and we must ensure they have the resources necessary to protect our communities," said Congressman Kildee. "That's why I'm working with Republicans and Democrats to provide critical federal funding for local fire departments. This bipartisan legislation will support mid-Michigan fire departments and fire fighters so they can be ready when our community needs them."

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