Kildee Continues Leadership on Behalf of Our Firefighters

Votes to reauthorize two critical fire grants programs

Washington, D.C. - Today, Congressman Dale E. Kildee (D-MI) voted to support our firefighters and ensure they have the necessary funding to do their jobs safely and effectively. H.R. 3791, the Fire Grants Reauthorization Act, of which Congressman Kildee is a co-sponsor, reauthorizes two critically important firefighter assistance programs – the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFG) and the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) program – for the next five years. With Congressman Kildee’s strong support, this legislation passed the House of Representatives today.

“The role of a firefighter is much like the role of our brave military men and woman - their honorable service and willingness to put themselves in harm’s way protects our homes, communities and families on a daily basis. It is our duty to ensure that our firefighters receive every support they need to do their vital work effectively and safely,” said Congressman Kildee. “I am proud to vote for this critical legislation that will help keep our firefighters safe while supporting them in their important mission to save lives.” 

H.R. 3791 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 critical funds by lowering matching requirements and modifying time commitments.

Congressman Kildee has always fought to support our firefighters and was an original cosponsor of the legislation authorizing the AFG program. The Firefighter Investment and Response Enhancement (FIRE) Act of 2000 authorized FEMA to make grants available to fire departments throughout the nation to support fire protection, EMS delivery, and vehicle procurement and prevention programs. Since 2004, firefighters in Michigan’s 5th Congressional district have benefited from millions of dollars in fire grants.