Biden co-sponsors re-authorization of U.S. Fire Administration

Press Release

Supplies $70 million to fulfill growing needs of fire services nationwide

U.S. Senator Joe Biden (D-DE) introduced, along with his counterparts on the Congressional Fire Caucus Senators Dodd, Collins and McCain the United Sates Fire Administration Reauthorization Act, a bill today that would re-authorize the U.S. Fire Administration to enable it to effectively meet the responsibilities of the modern fire services throughout the country.

Established in 1974 and currently a component of the Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. Fire Administration's mission is to provide leadership, coordination, and support for the nation's fire prevention and control, fire training and education, and emergency medical service activities, as well as to prepare first responders and health care leaders to react to all-hazard and terrorism emergencies of all kinds. One of USFA's key objectives is to reduce the nation's loss of life from fire.

Much of the $70 million of support the bill provides will go towards expanded training programs and technology upgrades. It also requires the USFA to practice improved coordination with local and state fire prevention agencies.

"You can't put a price tag on the lives saved by our fire companies," Senator Biden said. "Fire deaths nationally have been cut in half since 1974 thanks to the federal support our brave local firefighters receive. Firefighters are the first on the scene when our families are danger - anytime we can improve their resources, it's a solid investment."

The bill was praised by local fire leaders from all over Delaware, including Ron Marvel of Seaford Fire Company, the President of the Delaware Volunteer Fire Association (DVFA), and Steve Austin of Newark, a past President of the Delaware DVFA.

"Delaware Fire Service has been at the forefront of our emergency response preparedness across the country," said Marvel. "The U.S. Fire Administration has been the backbone of federal support for our fire and emergency personnel - we could not do our jobs without USFA's assistance."

"The Fire Service of America began to get the support it so richly deserves when the Federal Government established the U.S. Fire Administration in the 1970's. This is no time to turn back the clock," said Austin. "The establishment of a National Fire Academy was a landmark accomplishment, giving Delaware and all fire services across the country opportunities for advancement of fire and emergency response capabilities. The national focus, federal programs and statistics gathering efforts of the U.S. Fire Administration bring the Fire Services up to standards that assure Americans' domestic security."

Some other components of the legislation include:

* Authorizes up to $5,000,000 annually (out of the larger USFA authorization) for necessary technology upgrades to the National Fire Incident Reporting System;
* Authorizes the USFA to enter into contracts with accredited organizations to facilitate the delivery of onsite fire education and training services;
* Requires the National Fire Academy to issue triennial reports that outline any changes to the Academy's curriculum;
* Encourages the USFA to adopt national voluntary consensus standards relevant to firefighter health and safety;