Senate advances legislation to extend grants for first responders

The U.S. Senate advanced legislation Wednesday that would reauthorize grant programs that provide funds for training, equipment and staffing to fire and emergency services personnel.

The bill, co-sponsored by John McCain (R-AZ), Jon Tester (D-MT), Susan Collins (R-ME) and Tom Carper (D-DE), would extend the Assistance to Firefighters (AFG) and Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant programs through Fiscal Year 2023.

“Firefighters risk their lives every day to protect our citizens and keep our communities safe,” McCain said. “That’s why we must give these brave individuals the training, resources and equipment they need for dangerous missions around the country. I’m proud the Senate passed this much-needed legislation today that would ensure America’s 30,000 fire departments and emergency response services have the best possible preparation and resources. I urge my colleagues in the House to quickly take up and pass this bill.”

AFG provides fire departments financial support for training, equipment and other resources in order to protect communities and firefighters from fire-related dangers. SAFER provides funding to fire departments and volunteer firefighter interest organizations to increase and maintain the number of trained firefighters in American communities.

The bill includes added language that would increase oversight and monitoring of the grants in order to minimize waste, fraud and abuse. It would also create training programs to help fire departments manage the grant awards.