Bill bolsters first responder injury, death benefits

Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ) and Sen. Charles Grassley (R-IA) recently reintroduced a measure they said would enhance benefits for first responders injured or killed in the line of duty and their families.

The Protecting America’s First Responders Act of 2021 would improve the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Public Safety Officer Benefits (PSOB) program by providing first responders who die or are permanently disabled in the line of duty with a federal benefit of $370,000 and education assistance of $1,200 a month to their children or spouse.

“During this devastating pandemic, our nation’s first responders have stood heroically on the frontlines keeping communities across America safe,” Pascrell, co-chair of the Congressional Law Enforcement Caucus and Congressional Fire Services Caucus, said. “These brave men and women who put their lives on the line every day must have the utmost support from the federal government, especially those who have made drastic sacrifices in the line of duty.”

Grassley said the nation has promised to support those who have sacrificed to keep communities safe but acknowledged families seeking federal death or disability benefits face lengthy delays on claims.

“This bill ensures that disability claims are adjudicated consistent with Congress’ original intent so that officers and their families can receive the support they’ve been promised,” he said. “The Senate passed this language last Congress, and I have worked with my House counterparts to allow for quick passage in the House. Our first responders can’t afford to wait any longer.”