(Washington, D.C.) – Today, the U.S. Senate passed S.870, the Fire Grants and Safety Act of 2023, sending it to President Biden to be signed into law.
S.870 incorporates language from H.R. 4090, the Fire Grants and Safety Act of 2023, introduced by Science Committee member Tom Kean (R-NJ). The bill will support and advance firefighter and first responder services across the nation, providing a five-year reauthorization for the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), the Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) Program, and the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Grant (SAFER) Program.
Original co-sponsors of H.R. 4090 include House Science Committee Chairman Frank Lucas (R-OK), Ranking Member Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), Research and Technology Subcommittee Chairman Mike Collins (R-GA), Research and Technology Subcommittee Ranking Member Haley Stevens (D-MI), Rep. Jared Golden (D-ME), and Congressional Fire Services Caucus Co-Chairs Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-NJ), Rep. Michael Bost (R-IL), Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), and Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-MD).
“I look forward to President Biden swiftly signing this bill into law to ensure the safety and well-being of our communities nationwide,” Chairman Lucas said. “Every day, courageous firefighters and first responders selflessly risk their lives to guarantee our safety in emergency situations. This bill will ensure they receive the necessary training and equipment to confidently perform their duties when called into action. Many thanks to Rep. Kean for his tireless work in getting this bill across the finish line and to our Senate counterparts for devoting floor time and support to this critical piece of legislation.”
“All across the country, firefighters and EMS personnel work through danger and uncertainty every day to protect their neighbors. As a former volunteer firefighter, I know the sacrifices firefighters and EMTs make daily to quickly respond to emergencies,” Congressman Kean said. “This bill, which incorporated my introduced language, will reauthorize federal grants and programs for local fire departments which will help protect families in New Jersey and nationwide. I thank the Senate for their support of my legislation and urge the president to sign this into law.”
The full text of S. 870 can be found here.