May 9, 2024 – Congresswoman Lori Chavez-DeRemer: Chavez-DeRemer Backs Bipartisan Bill to Support Federal Funding for Local Fire Departments
Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer (OR-05) voted in favor of the Fire Grants and Safety Act (S.870), which passed the House with bipartisan support. The proposal will help strengthen firefighter and first responder services across the nation by providing for a five-year reauthorization of key federal programs.
“Firefighters put themselves in harm’s way to protect their neighbors, and I deeply appreciate their courageous service to our communities. The least the federal government can do in return is ensure these brave men and women have the resources needed to do their jobs safely and effectively,” Chavez-DeRemer said. “I was proud to vote for the bipartisan Fire Grants and Safety Act today, which will invest in critical training and equipment for years to come. Moving forward, I’ll continue working to support our firefighters and their efforts to save our homes, schools, and businesses from devastating fires.”
The Fire Grants and Safety Act reauthorizes the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant program, the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program, and the United States Fire Administration (USFA). Local fire departments use these critical programs to address staffing needs, purchase equipment, develop fire training and education programs, and improve emergency medical services. Additionally, these programs can be utilized to fund safety trainings and health screenings.
Full text of the bill is available HERE.
Chavez-DeRemer is also a cosponsor of the PFAS Alternatives Act (H.R.4769) to accelerate the development of PFAS-free gear to protect firefighters from this cancer-causing material. Last year, Chavez-DeRemer helped lead the Wildland Firefighter Paycheck Protection Act to bolster firefighter recruitment, retention, and well-being by preserving a pay raise established in the 2021 bipartisan infrastructure law. She successfully helped secure provisions supporting federal firefighter pay in appropriations legislation for fiscal year 2024.
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