A bipartisan bill recently proposed by U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) would reauthorize and increase federal resources for local fire departments across the nation by boosting funding for three key federal initiatives.
“Communities across our country rely on local fire departments to keep residents safe in the event of a life-threatening crisis,” Rep. Fitzpatrick said on Wednesday. “I am proud to co-lead bipartisan legislation that will support volunteer fire departments and assist with volunteer recruitment and retention.”
The Fire Grants and Safety Act, H.R. 9245, which Rep. Fitzpatrick signed on to Oct. 28 as an original cosponsor with bill sponsor U.S. Rep. Jared Golden (D-ME), would amend the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974 to authorize appropriations of $95 million for each of fiscal years 2024 through 2030 to fund the United States Fire Administration, the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program, and the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response grant program.
“The federal government has a responsibility to ensure they have what they need to do their job and do it well,” Rep. Golden said. Increasing access to those resources is just common sense, he added. “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.”
H.R. 9245 is companion legislation to the same-named S. 4882 introduced on Sept. 19 by U.S. Sens. Gary Peters (D-MI) and Rob Portman (R-OH) and would permit local fire departments to use funds for addressing staffing shortages, purchasing new equipment, and improving training and emergency services, according to a bill summary provided by the lawmakers.
The measure is supported by the International Association of Fire Fighters, the National Fire Protection Association, and the Congressional Fire Services Institute.