(Washington, D.C.) – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed S.870, the Fire Grants and Safety Act of 2023, which will provide critical support to enhancing firefighter and first responder services nationwide.
S.870 incorporates language from H.R. 4090, the Fire Grants and Safety Act of 2023, introduced by House Science, Space, and Technology Committee Member Rep. Tom Kean (R-NJ). The bill, passed through committee in June of 2023, provides a five-year reauthorization for the U.S. Fire Administration, the Assistance to Firefighters Grants Program, and the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Grant Program.
Original co-sponsors of H.R. 4090 include House Science Committee Chairman Frank Lucas (R-OK), Ranking Member Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), Research and Technology Subcommittee Chairman Mike Collins (R-GA), Research and Technology Subcommittee Ranking Member Haley Stevens (D-MI), Rep. Jared Golden (D-ME), and Congressional Fire Services Caucus Co-Chairs Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-NJ), Rep. Michael Bost (R-IL), Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), and Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-MD).
“All across the country, firefighters and EMS personnel work through danger and uncertainty every day to protect their neighbors. As a former volunteer firefighter, I know the hardships and sacrifices firefighters and EMTs make daily to quickly respond to emergencies,” Congressman Kean said. “I thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for the overwhelming bipartisan support. We are one step closer to ensuring that our firefighters have the proper training and equipment to continue protecting our communities. This bill will reauthorize federal grants and programs for local fire departments which will help protect families in New Jersey and nationwide.”
“I’m proud to support this important, bipartisan piece of legislation that will reauthorize critical programs to improve our firefighters' and first responders’ capabilities to swiftly and efficiently respond to emergencies and disasters across the country,” Chairman Lucas said. “The safety and well-being of firefighters and their communities should always be considered of the highest importance. This bill ensures that responders battling emergency situations have the necessary equipment and training to succeed in their jobs, which is particularly important to rural communities that often lack critical resources due to costly expenditures. I want to thank Rep. Kean for his hard work spearheading this comprehensive bill through the House and Senate and the stakeholders nationwide who provided invaluable feedback.”
The full text of S. 870 can be found here.