Sighs of relief were likely widespread in fire and rescue stations across the country Tuesday evening after the Senate voted overwhelmingly to save the SAFER and AFG programs.
The bi-partisian measure is now headed to President Joe Biden for his signature.
Just as it was in the House of Representatives, the Senate passed the legislation by a wide margin — 88-2.
Last month, the House voted 393-13 to keep the programs alive.
If the measure had not passed, the vital funding programs for fire, rescue and EMS departments across the country would have sunset on Sept. 30.
“I think this is a testament of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus. They promoted a strong bi-partisan measure,” said Sean Carroll, director of government relations for the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.
The strong leadership in the bi-partisan caucus as well as the advocacy from fire service organizations and responders brought the legislation across the finish line.
“I just hope everyone realizes their push made the difference,” he said, adding that informing the legislators about the needs was crucial.
Letters of support that outlined the need for the legislation were signed by officials from 38 fire and rescue service organizations.
“Congress cannot allow the two largest forms of federal support to disappear. Without
these programs, our communities will be ill-prepared to respond to acts of terrorism, natural
disasters, and “routine” emergencies like house fires and medical emergencies,” they wrote.
After the vote Tuesday evening, Congressman Bill Pascrell, D-NJ, who introduced the legislation, wrote a statement: “When I came to Congress, fire departments across America were literally holding bake sales to pay for their gear. The Assistance to Firefighter Grants were the first program ever to send federal dollars directly to fire departments. Since their creation, the AFG and SAFER programs have provided over $14 billion to fire departments and first responders from coast-to-coast. They have saved countless lives. This critical legislation will ensure our government continues to give our local firefighters the help they need to protect us. I await its signing by President Biden. God bless our fire heroes.”