IAFF LEGISLATIVE FACT SHEET                                   Click Here for Key Points

FUNDING FOR THE URBAN SEARCH AND RESCUE RESPONSE SYSTEM

The IAFF supports increased funding for the Urban Search and Rescue Response System and urges Members of Congress to provide additional funding for the program.

BACKGROUND

The National Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) Response System was originally established by the Federal Emergency Management Agency in 1989 to provide adequate search and rescue capacity in the event of an earthquake. Since then, the US&R System has evolved into an invaluable federal, state and local resource capable of responding to both natural and manmade disasters, including earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes, hazardous materials spills, acts of terrorism and catastrophic structure collapses. Most recently, several teams were deployed in response to the Haiti earthquake.

Today, the US&R System comprises 28 national task forces consisting of highly trained, equipped and exercised emergency response personnel, including many IAFF members.

In 2006, FEMA estimated the average cost to maintain a national US&R team at $1.7 million. Today, in many jurisdictions the cost exceeds $2 million. Annual appropriations through the Department of Homeland Security provide funding for training, exercises, communications and personal protective equipment, and medical monitoring for responder safety and health. Unfortunately, Congress has never provided sufficient funding for the program, leaving the local governments that sponsor the 28 task forces responsible for filling the gap. With many localities facing budget shortfalls, sponsoring US&R teams has become a burden they are unable to afford. Although Congress provided $32.5 million for US&R in Fiscal Year 2010, this amount only covers a portion of the necessary costs.

CURRENT LEGISLATION

Because the last Congress did not complete work on Fiscal Year 2011 appropriations, the current Congress is considering both FY11 and FY12 appropriations.

For FY11, the U.S. House of Representatives addressed funding for US&R in H.R. 1, legislation to provide continuing funding for the federal government.  Final funding for the fiscal year was included in H.R. 1473.

For FY12, the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate addressed funding for US&R in their respective versions of H.R. 2017, the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2012.  Final funding for the fiscal year was included in H.R. 2055.

CONGRESSIONAL ACTION

FY11 Appropriations

On February 11, 2011, H.R. 1 was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives.  As introduced, the bill contained $32.5 million for US&R.

On February 19, 2011, the U.S. House of Representatives approved H.R. 1 by a vote of 235-189.

On April 11, 2011, H.R. 1473 was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives.  As introduced, the bill contained $35.25 million for US&R. 

On April 14, 2011, the U.S. House of Representatives approved H.R. 1473 by a vote of 260-167.

On April 14, 2011, the U.S. Senate approved H.R. 1473 by a vote of 81-19.

On April 15, 2011, H.R. 1473 was signed into law:  Public Law 112-10.

FY12 Appropriations

On February 14, 2011, the Administration released its budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2012. The proposal includes $29,113,461 for US&R.

On May 26, 2011, H.R. 2017 was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives.  As introduced, the bill contained $35.25 million for US&R. 

On June 2, 2011, the House approved H.R. 2017 by a vote of 231-188.

On September 7, 2011, the Senate Committee on Appropriations adopted a substitute amendment to H.R. 2017.  As adopted, the amendment contained $41.25 million for US&R.

On December 16, 2011, the House approved H.R. 2055 by a vote of 296-121.  As approved, the bill contains $41.25 million for US&R.  Read More:  Congress Increases Funding for USAR Teams

On December 17, 2011, the Senate approved H.R. 2055 by a vote of 67-32.