Rep. Sánchez Votes to Boost Resources for Local Fire Fighters
November 18, 2009
Washington, DC - Today, Rep. Linda Sánchez voted to provide local firefighters more tools and resources to prevent and fight fires, and keep our communities safe. At a time when many towns and cities are facing budget shortfalls and cuts to basic services, the Fire Grants Reauthorization Act invests in vital assistance programs that allow local fire departments to provide training, purchase equipment and vehicles, and hire personnel.
"Our local firefighters must have the best training and equipment at their disposal to keep our communities safe," said Rep. Linda Sánchez.
The bipartisan legislation authorizes a total of $2.2 billion a year in grants for local municipalities to upgrade crucial equipment and maintain adequate levels of personnel. It also makes it easier for local fire departments to access these funds by lowering matching requirements and modifying time commitments.
Ever since the 9/11 terrorist attacks, fire departments and first responders across the country have been overstretched taking on even more responsibilities to respond to possible terrorist attacks, as well as preventing and fighting fires. This legislation will give our fire departments the critical resources they need to address these threats.
"This bill provides critical funding to safeguard our homes, our neighborhoods, and - first and foremost - our families," said Rep. Sánchez. "State and local governments may be facing falling revenues and shrinking budgets, but they should never have to choose between adequately trained personnel and functioning equipment. This bill protects against that."
The bill has the support of the International Association of Fire Chiefs, the International Association of Fire Fighters, the National Volunteer Fire Council, the National Fire Protection Association, and the Congressional Fire Services Institute.
The bill now heads to the Senate, where it awaits final passage before heading to President Barack Obama for his signature. For more information on how to apply for a grant, visit the Department of Homeland Security's Firefighter's Grant Program website or contact Rep. Linda Sánchez' local office at 562.860.5050.
"Our local firefighters must have the best training and equipment at their disposal to keep our communities safe," said Rep. Linda Sánchez.
The bipartisan legislation authorizes a total of $2.2 billion a year in grants for local municipalities to upgrade crucial equipment and maintain adequate levels of personnel. It also makes it easier for local fire departments to access these funds by lowering matching requirements and modifying time commitments.
Ever since the 9/11 terrorist attacks, fire departments and first responders across the country have been overstretched taking on even more responsibilities to respond to possible terrorist attacks, as well as preventing and fighting fires. This legislation will give our fire departments the critical resources they need to address these threats.
"This bill provides critical funding to safeguard our homes, our neighborhoods, and - first and foremost - our families," said Rep. Sánchez. "State and local governments may be facing falling revenues and shrinking budgets, but they should never have to choose between adequately trained personnel and functioning equipment. This bill protects against that."
The bill has the support of the International Association of Fire Chiefs, the International Association of Fire Fighters, the National Volunteer Fire Council, the National Fire Protection Association, and the Congressional Fire Services Institute.
The bill now heads to the Senate, where it awaits final passage before heading to President Barack Obama for his signature. For more information on how to apply for a grant, visit the Department of Homeland Security's Firefighter's Grant Program website or contact Rep. Linda Sánchez' local office at 562.860.5050.
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