Senate Passes Bipartisan Fire Grants and Safety Act

The Senate passed a bipartisan bill Thursday to reauthorize federal grant programs and the U.S. Fire Administration. 

The measure -- that passed 95-2 -- would extend funding for Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) and Assistance to Firefighters Grants through 2030 with flat funding, according to Roll Call.

U.S. Fire Administration funding also would fall into the same time frame. The legislation proposes to provide a $20 million increase for each of the next seven years. 

Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer, (D-NY) said the measure is a “much-needed lifeline” that will provide firefighters with funds for lifesaving equipment and personnel. 

He told fellow legislators this week that fire and rescue companies in rural areas depend on grants for equipment.

Sen. Rand Paul, (R-KY) voted against the bill after his amendment was rejected, 45-54. He wanted to bar fire departments that fired firefighters who refused to get COVID-19 vaccines from receiving funds unless they reinstated them with back pay, according to a published report.

“It seems bizarre and contradictory to provide financial support to increase fire department staffing when decisions were made to terminate trained and effective firefighters for no good reason,” Paul said in a floor speech ahead of the vote on his amendment. “Firefighters tend to be young and fit, the very people who had the least to worry about COVID-19.”

Six amendments, which the Senate allowed to be voted on, were all rejected.

Sen. Gary Peters D-MI) said in a statement recently: "We have a responsibility to ensure our firefighters, who put their lives on the line every day have the tools and resources they need to do their jobs safely and effectively." 

Peters, chair of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, was one of the leading sponsors. 

The legislation will be considered by the House. 

National Volunteer Fire Council CEO Sarah Lee said of the passage: "The NVFC is pleased that S.870, the Fire Grants and Safety Act, to reauthorize the AFG, SAFER and USFA overwhelmingly passed the Senate today. We look forward to working with the House of Representatives to ensure this important legislation is enacted before these critical authorizations lapse at the end of the fiscal year."