Rep. Reichert Applauds Passage of H.R. 2217 and United States Fire Administration Amendment

Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the FY 2014 Homeland Security Appropriations Bill (H.R. 2217) including an amendment introduced by Congressman Dave Reichert (R-WA) that would maintain vital funding for the United States Fire Administration (USFA).

"This amendment is extremely important to ensure that fire personnel have the resources they need to safely fight fires and protect American citizens," said Reichert. "I have seen firsthand the devastation caused by out-of-control fires, and I want to be certain that through the USFA our firefighters have the support and training needed to not only respond to but also prevent those fires from destroying businesses, homes, and lives."

Last year, Washington State saw record devastation from fire damage. Fire Chief John Sinclair leads the Kittitas Valley Fire and Rescue which was one of the agencies that helped ultimately contain and put out the fires that swept through Central Washington.

Chief Sinclair said in support of the amendment, "The United States Fire Administration is vital to our nation's fire service. Fire Departments and Fire Districts throughout Washington have benefited from the training and education programs, firefighter safety strategies, and Grant Programs administered through USFA. As Fire Chief of a Fire District that also serves the City of Ellensburg, I commend Congressman Reichert for taking the bold step to bring funding up to the levels we need to keep the USFA functioning in a way that benefits the citizens of Washington and the United States."

Rep. Reichert was joined by Reps. John Delaney (D-MD), Peter King (R-NY), and Robert Andrews (D-NJ) in cosponsoring the amendment. The amendment had strong support from fire service groups including the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), the Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI), the National Fire Protection Association and the National Volunteer Fire Council. The groups sent a letter of support to Reps. Reichert and Delaney for the amendment.

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