IAFF Urges Approval of Homeland Security Funding Bill

July 25, 2007 – At a press conference held on Capitol Hill, IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger joined Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) in urging passage of the Senate’s Homeland Security funding bill.

“While we have waited for years to see the implementation of the 9/11 Commission report, we are still fighting to see that our communities are prepared for the next disaster,” Schaitberger said. “Unfortunately, we have been learning through the National Intelligence Estimates that Al-Qaeda has increased its strength and is committed more than ever to attacking our country and citizens.”

Fire fighters know that in a majority of the communities across the United States, fire departments lack the proper equipment, training and personnel needed for emergency responders to do their jobs efficiently, effectively and safely. The Homeland Security Appropriation’s Bill will make sure that funding is available to ensure that fire fighters and the communities they serve are safe – whether at home or work.

Schaitberger encouraged Congress to implement the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Report and pass the Homeland Security Appropriations Bill, and called on the president – who has threatened to veto the bill – to support Congress and sign the measure into law.

“This bill is a tremendous down payment on guaranteeing the security of our nation’s homeland and protecting our homeland,” said Schaitberger. “It focuses resources where they are needed – here in America, on Americans. Our members – this country’s fire fighters and EMS personnel – and our communities need these dollars to protect our nation and our neighborhoods here at home.”