(Washington, D.C.) United States Representative Mike Ross (D-AR) today
announced rural and volunteer fire departments will be given high priority
with other Defense programs when excess equipment from the Department of
Defense is available. Volunteer and rural departments were previously given
low priority for the allocation of this type of equipment.
Language from Rep. Ross sponsored H.R. 1311, a bill that gives high
priority status to rural and volunteer fire departments for excess equipment,
was included in and passed in the House as part of the Fiscal Year 2005
Department of Defense (DoD) Authorization Bill. Rep. Curt Weldon
(R-PA) submitted the language of H.R. 1311 for inclusion within the DoD
Authorization Bill.
“I am very pleased to have this legislation included in the FY 2005
National Defense Authorization Act,” said Ross. “Volunteer and rural
fire departments have long served an important role in the national fire
prevention and suppression infrastructure. Unfortunately, many do
not have the funds to purchase equipment and are often unable to obtain
sufficient resources to do their jobs.”
Representative Weldon echoed, “Having this legislation included in the
FY 2005 National Defense Authorization Act is a huge victory for rural
and volunteer firefighters. Rural and urban firefighters are on the
front lines everyday risking their lives for their communities at some
of America’s most dangerous situations. Oftentimes fire departments
do not have the money or resources to effectively manage these complicated
conditions. Allowing firefighters who are volunteers as well as career
the opportunity to have access to the Department of Defense’s excess property
will better enable them to respond to their communities needs.”
“These brave men and women risk their lives daily to serve their communities,
and we must continue to do everything in our power to ensure they have
the equipment they need and deserve, said Ross. With the help of Representative
Weldon and the support of my colleagues, this much needed legislation will
provide rural fire departments nationwide with the necessary resources
to do their jobs. This is a perfect example of how working in a bipartisan
manner can and does get things accomplished in the Congress.” |