Amid Partisan Gridlock, IAFF Scores 11th Hour Legislative Victory

September 25, 2008 – Despite continuing partisan wrangling ahead of the November elections, legislation strengthening the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) is on the verge of becoming law. Both chambers of Congress have voted to pass S. 2606, the United States Fire Administration Reauthorization Act of 2008.

The legislation, sponsored by Senators Christopher Dodd (D-CT) and Susan Collins (R-ME) in the Senate and Representative Harry Mitchell (D-AZ) in the House, includes key IAFF recommendations to expand and improve USFA’s training activities, improve fire fighter safety and better serve the needs of the modern fire service. The legislation also authorizes funding to improve USFA’s data collection efforts through the National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) to better identify fire safety trends.

For the last several weeks, partisan politics has resulted in a congressional stalemate, leaving most legislation at a virtual standstill. By working with key members of both parties and building a broad coalition of support, the IAFF and its allies were able to overcome this environment to pass S. 2606.

“Passing any legislation in the current partisan environment is a tremendous achievement,” says IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger. “The fact that the two parties came together to approve this crucial measure on behalf of the fire service demonstrates the respect Congress holds for our members, as well as the efficacy of our lobbying operation.”

The IAFF played a leading role in crafting the legislation. During congressional hearings on the topic in 2007, Bob Livingston, a captain in the Salem, Oregon Fire Department representing the IAFF, urged lawmakers to modernize the U.S. Fire Administration, promote compliance with NFPA safety standards within USFA and advocate for the use of fire department-based EMS delivery systems. Captain Livingston’s recommendations were included in S. 2606 and will be enacted into law.

The president is expected to approve S. 2606 in the near future.