Fire Grants and Safety Act proposes new support for firefighter, first responder services

With approval from the House this week, the Fire Grants and Safety Act (S.870) seems set for signature by President Joe Biden, and would bring with it extended authorization for firefighter and first responder support nationwide.

Sponsored by U.S. Sen. Gary Peters (D-MI), the bill incorporated some language from the similarly named H.R. 4090, also the Fire Grants and Safety Act of 2023. Ultimately, the bill as has passed both chambers of Congress would reauthorize the U.S. Fire Administration, the Assistance to Firefighters Grants Program and the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Grant Program through FY2030.

It would also appoint the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to audit and report on barriers keeping fire departments from accessing federal funds and the U.S. Fire Administration as a whole.

“All across the country, firefighters and EMS personnel work through danger and uncertainty every day to protect their neighbors,” U.S. Rep. Tom Kean (R-NJ), and sponsor of H.R. 4090, said. “As a former volunteer firefighter, I know the hardships and sacrifices firefighters and EMTs make daily to quickly respond to emergencies. 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.”

By authorizing these funds for another five years, the bill would support firefighters’ acquisition of equipment and training. To do so, it would amend the Federal Fire PRevention and Control Act of 1974.

The bill does include another stipulation that neither the government of China, nor any entity or organization affiliated with or incorporated in it, could be eligible for federal assistance under these programs.