Obama Signs Bill Funding USFA, Grants, Extending PSOB

A bill to extend PSOB funds to certain EMS providers and re-authorizing the USFA and fire grants was signed by President Obama.

It was part of the National Defense Authorization Act.

In late December, the House and Senate gave the final nod to the legislation following years of work on the issues.

In addition to extending PSOB, the bill also re-authorizes the USFA and the FIRE Act grants through 2017.

The legislation also says rescue personnel who suffer vascular rupture within 24 hours of an emergency response should be eligible for PSOB benefits. Heart attacks are already covered in the Hometown Heroes Act.