This evening-- about 5 -- members of the House of Representatives are slated to begin debate on the reautorization of two vital programs for the nation's fire and rescue departments.
A vote is expected Wednesday morning. It will then head to the Senate.
It’s imperative that Congress pass legislation to reauthorize the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFG) and the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Grant Program (SAFER) as well as adequately fund the U.S. Fire Administration.
If it isn't passed, the programs will sunset Sept. 30.
There's been a major push from personnel who've touted the programs' importance to lawmakers.
Many responders visited with their representatives on Capitol Hill last week during the annual Conggressional Fire Service Institute's events.
In 2000, the AFG program was established. It has "served as a vital source of funding for many career, combination, and volunteer departments that continue to do more with less. With these grants, departments can purchase equipment, training, and other departmental needs," CFSI officials noted in an informational bulletin.
