Fire Prevention Week is a time to educate citizens about fire prevention and safety.  Candles should never be left unattended, fire alarms in homes, schools, and businesses should be tested to ensure they work, and parents should educate their children about home fire escape plans and what to do in case of a fire.  I encourage you to visit www.firepreventionweek.org to learn more about fire prevention and safety. 

This week, we honor our nation’s firefighters.  Day after day, in communities large and small across our great nation, these first responders put themselves in harm’s way to protect our nation’s children, working families, and seniors.  Each year, it is estimated that 100 firefighters die in the line of duty.  We will forever be indebted to these brave first responders who risk their lives day in and day out to keep our communities safe. 

Recently, Congress passed $31.9 billion for Homeland Security Appropriations for Fiscal Year 2006, four percent more than Fiscal Year 2005 funding levels.  This conference report funds the Department of Homeland Security and major grant programs important to first responders, including $3.3 billion for preparedness grant programs.   

As we commemorate Fire Prevention Week this October, we are especially grateful to our first responders in the aftermath of September 11th, Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita.  As your Representative in the United States Congress, I will continue to fight for funding and the needs of our firefighters in our nation’s capital.