Somerset Times

On June 18, 2024, the Senate passed the Fire Grants and Safety Act. This bipartisan, bicameral bill was introduced by Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07) and co-led by Congressman Bill Pascrell, Jr. (NJ-09), the co-chairman of the House Fire Services Caucus. The legislation aims to support and advance firefighter and first responder services across the nation.

The bill incorporates language from H.R. 4090, a measure championed by Congressman Kean through the House Science, Space and Technology Committee.

The Fire Grants and Safety Act will provide a five-year reauthorization for the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), the Assistance to Firefighter Grants (AFG) Program, and the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Grant (SAFER) Program.

Having passed the House of Representatives on May 8, 2024, the bill now heads to President Biden's desk to be signed into law.

"All across the country, firefighters and EMS personnel work through danger and uncertainty every day to protect their neighbors. As a former volunteer firefighter, I know the sacrifices firefighters and EMTs make daily to quickly respond to emergencies," said Congressman Kean. "This bill, which incorporated my introduced language, will reauthorize federal grants and programs for local fire departments which will help protect families in New Jersey and nationwide. I thank the Senate for their support of my legislation and urge the president to sign this into law."