Providing For Further Consideration Of H.R. 1, American Recovery And Reinvestment Act Of 2009

Floor Speech

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Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Madam Speaker, I rise today to highlight an amendment included in the legislation before us today that will not only put Americans to work, but will also improve the safety of our communities. This amendment will go a long way to help put firefighters back in our neighborhoods.

President Obama clearly understands the value of firefighters in our communities, as in his inaugural address he spoke of the firefighters' ``courage to storm a stairway filled with smoke'' in describing the faith and determination of the American people.

By waiving the matching requirement under the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) program, this amendment will ensure that thousands of firefighters are either hired or retained nationwide without adding a single penny to the federal deficit.

All across our Nation, State and local governments are struggling. My State of Connecticut is currently facing a one billion dollar budget deficit this year alone. As a result, our governors, mayors and selectmen are being forced to make deep and at times dangerous budgetary cuts that are unfortunately resulting in many localities not being able to participate in the SAFER program, which is meant to assist departments in hiring additional firefighters.

Congress has funded the SAFER program in the past, and it would be irresponsible for the House to allow this funding to go unused. For this reason, I am extremely pleased that we adopted the aforementioned amendment and ensured that this funding gets to the local fire departments during this time of need.

Madam Speaker, this is just one more example of the responsible, beneficial provisions included in the American Economic Recovery and Reinvestment Act that will lead our country back to economic stability. I thank all of my colleagues for their support.

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