Congressman Rothman Secures Full Funding and Increased Flexibility for Firefighter Assistance Grants

Statement

Congressman Steve Rothman (NJ-9), a member of the House Appropriations Committee, released the following statement after today's approval by the House Appropriations Committee of the upcoming fiscal year's Homeland Security budget:

Today, I am proud to have helped secure $670 million for Firefighter Assistance Grants in this year's Department of Homeland Security appropriations bill. This much-needed funding will address the significant staffing, equipment, training and health and safety needs of fire departments.

I was also proud to help ensure that Congress gives more flexibility to fire departments, allowing them to use this grant money to avoid lay-offs of firefighters. Given the tough economic situation in our country, it is more important than ever that we provide as much support as possible to local fire departments, making sure they can continue to operate at full strength, and saving jobs.

I will continue the fight to make sure that Firefighters have the funding and flexibility that they need to protect our communities and families.

Source