Congresswoman Kosmas Votes To Boost Resources For Central Florida's Fire Departments

Press Release

Congresswoman Kosmas Votes To Boost Resources For Central Florida's Fire Departments

Today, Congresswoman Suzanne Kosmas (FL-24) helped pass the Fire Grants Reauthorization Act (H.R. 3791), which will provide local firefighters with the tools and resources they need to keep our communities safe. The legislation invests in vital firefighter assistance programs that allow local fire departments to provide training, purchase equipment and vehicles, and hire personnel.

"This bill provides critical funding to safeguard our homes, our neighborhoods and our families," said Congresswoman Kosmas. "With Central Florida's local governments facing budget shortfalls, this common-sense legislation is a critical step that will help ensure our first-responders are properly prepared and able to keep our communities safe."

This bipartisan bill reauthorizes two popular, critically important firefighter assistance programs -- the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFG) and the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) program -- for the next five years. It authorizes a total of $2.2 billion a year in grants for local municipalities to upgrade crucial equipment and maintain adequate levels of personnel. It also makes it easier for local fire departments to access these critical funds by lowering matching requirements and modifying time commitments.

The bill has the support of the International Association of Fire Chiefs, the International Association of Fire Fighters, the National Volunteer Fire Council, the National Fire Protection Association, and the Congressional Fire Services Institute.

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