Funding for the Urban Search and Rescue Response System

The national Urban Search and Rescue Response System (US&R) comprises twenty-eight task forces that respond to major national and international disasters.  Each task force consists of highly trained, equipped and exercised emergency response personnel, including many IAFF members.

Unfortunately, current federal funding is insufficient to maintain task forces' readiness and capabilities, leaving local government sponsors to pick up the rest of the cost.  Many such sponsors, however, are unable to do so due to difficult economic circumstances. 

Our nation relies upon US&R teams to respond to disasters at a moment's notice, but insufficient funding jeopardizes the task forces' ability to carry out their missions.  To ensure that US&R teams have the tools, training and personnel they need to respond when called upon, Congress should increase funding for the system.       

To learn more about the Urban Search and Rescue Response System, click here:  Fact Sheet

To learn why additional funding is needed for the Urban Search and Rescue Response System click here:  Key Points