NJFFSA16
05-30-2005, 02:52 AM
Sen. Enzi introduces bill to give aerial fire crews death benefit
WASHINGTON (AP) - Wyoming Senator Mike Enzi has introduced a
bill that would extend federal death benefits to contracted aerial
fire crews.
Federal employees who fight fires on federal lands are entitled
to a survivor benefit should they be killed on the job.
But most aerial fire crews are contract workers, NOT federal
employees. And Enzi says a loophole in the law makes them
ineligible for benefits.
The Wyoming Republican says contract crewmen risk their lives
just like any other firefighter, and should receive the same
benefits.
The bill has been referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee.
A companion bill was introduced in the House by Republican
Wyoming Congresswoman Barbara Cubin.
(Copyright 2005 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
WASHINGTON (AP) - Wyoming Senator Mike Enzi has introduced a
bill that would extend federal death benefits to contracted aerial
fire crews.
Federal employees who fight fires on federal lands are entitled
to a survivor benefit should they be killed on the job.
But most aerial fire crews are contract workers, NOT federal
employees. And Enzi says a loophole in the law makes them
ineligible for benefits.
The Wyoming Republican says contract crewmen risk their lives
just like any other firefighter, and should receive the same
benefits.
The bill has been referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee.
A companion bill was introduced in the House by Republican
Wyoming Congresswoman Barbara Cubin.
(Copyright 2005 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)