IAFF Urges House Scrutiny of Public Safety Communications Network
April 15, 2008 – IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger has issued a statement on the House Energy and Commerce Committee hearing on the Federal Communications Commission’s auction to create a communications network for first responders.  Read More...

House Approves IAFF Recommendations to Strengthen U.S. Fire Administration
April 11, 2008 – The U.S. House of Representatives voted 412-0 last week to adopt legislation strengthening the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA). H.R. 4847, the United States Fire Administration Reauthorization Act of 2008, included 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.  Read More...

Bill to Promote Fire Fighter Safety Standards Introduced in House
April 9, 2008 – IAFF priority legislation to enhance fire fighter safety and health has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives. On April 2, Representative Ed Perlmutter (D-CO) joined with 17 original cosponsors from both parties to introduce H.R. 5686, the Firefighter Fatality Reduction Act of 2008.  Read More...

President Bush's Proposed Budget Threatens Safety
January 30, 2008 -- IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger issued this statement February 4 on President Bush’s proposed Fiscal Year 2009 budget:  “As the end of the president’s term in office mercifully draws closer, his proposed budget is another example of his words not matching his deeds.  Read More...

A Month Late, Bush Signs Defense Bill
January 30, 2008 -- After his veto delayed the implementation of important fire fighter provisions in the fiscal year 2008 Defense Authorization bill (H.R. 1585), including reforms to the National Security Personnel System (NSPS), President Bush has finally signed into law a new FY 2008 Defense Authorization bill (H.R. 4986) with all of the IAFF’s federal fire fighter provisions intact.  Read More...

Bush Vetoes Defense Bill
January 2, 2008 -- In a surprise development, President Bush last week “pocket vetoed” the FY 2008 Defense Authorization Bill (HR 1585). The president’s refusal to sign the Defense bill will delay implementation of several provisions important to the nation’s federal fire fighters, including the amendments to the National Security Personnel System (NSPS).  Read More...

IAFF Wins Significant Funding for SAFER Grants
December 21, 2007 -- Despite a variety of significant obstacles as Congress approached its annual year-end recess, the IAFF succeeded in winning a unprecedented increase in funding for the SAFER grant program. H.R. 2764, the Consolidated Appropriations Act for 2008, included $190 million for SAFER, an increase of more than 65 percent over the previous year.  Read More...

Defense Bill Scores Big Win for DoD Fire Fighters
December 15, 2007 -- Congress is on the verge of passing landmark legislation containing several important protections for federal fire fighters who protect military installations. The FY ’08 Defense Authorization (HR 1585) reinstates important DoD employee protections, repeals the $400 cap on the DoD uniform allowance, reinvests mutual aid reimbursements back into DoD fire service accounts, and kills a Bush administration proposal to privatize military fire fighting.  Read More...

Anti-Labor Senators Derail Fire Fighter Bargaining Bill
December 14, 2007 -- With the Senate on the verge of passing the IAFF’s national collective bargaining bill, a small group of hard-line anti-labor senators engaged in a series of parliamentary tactics late last night to block the Senate from acting. With no way to overcome the obstacles, the Senate was forced to postpone action on the Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act until after the New Year.  Read More...

Senate Votes to Strengthen Fire Fighter Fatality Investigations
October 25, 2007 -- The U.S. Senate unanimously voted to double funding for the Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program (FFFIPP) within the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). The program, created by the IAFF in conjunction with President Bill Clinton, conducts investigations of fire fighter line-of-duty deaths to formulate recommendations for preventing future deaths and injuries.  Read More...

Breakthrough on Hometown Heroes?
October 9, 2007 -- Department of Justice officials who administer the Public Safety Officer Benefits (PSOB) program have announced that DOJ is overhauling the way it determines eligibility for heart attacks and strokes. Domingo Herraiz, Director of the Bureau of Justice Assistance, spoke at a gathering of fire service organizations and promised to make significant changes in the way his agency evaluates PSOB claims under the Hometown Heroes Act.  Read More...

IAFF Testifies Before Congress on Reducing Fire Fighter Deaths
October 4, 2007 -- Captain Bob Livingston, legislative director for the Oregon State Council of Fire Fighters, testified before the U.S. House of Representatives Subcommittee on Technology and Innovation on ways the United States Fire Administration (USFA) could help reduce fire fighter line-of-duty deaths.  Read More...

Bargaining Bill Introduced in Senate
October 2, 2007 -- The IAFF’s top legislative priority, the Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act, was introduced in the Senate October 1 with bipartisan support. Led by Senators Judd Gregg (R-NH) and Ted Kennedy (D-MA), 10 Republicans and 11 Democrats joined together as original sponsors of the legislation, S.2123.  Read More...

House Moves to Strengthen Airport Fire Fighting
September 21, 2007 – The U.S. House of Representatives voted to approve legislation strengthening current fire safety standards at airports. The FAA Reauthorization Act, H.R. 2881, was passed by a vote of 267-151. As passed, the bill requires the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to bring Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) standards into conformity with existing national consensus standards.  Read More...

DoD Fire Fighters Get Long Overdue Uniform Allowance Hike
September 21, 2007 – The Senate has unanimously approved an amendment to the defense authorization bill offered by Senators Ben Nelson (D-NE) and Lindsey Graham (R-SC) effectively doubling to $800 the maximum yearly uniform allowance for Department of Defense (DoD) fire fighters, the first increase in 18 years.  Read More...

Student Loan Forgiveness for Fire Fighters Approved
September 10, 2007 – The U.S. Congress has approved legislation creating a new student loan forgiveness program for full-time professional fire fighters and other public safety employees who have served their communities for at least 10 years. The College Cost Reduction and Access Act, HR 2669, passed the House 292-97 and the Senate 79-12.  Read More...

Federal Presumptive Legislation Introduced in Senate
August 3, 2007 – Legislation granting disability retirement benefits to federal fire fighters who contract certain illnesses on the job has been introduced in the United States Senate.  S. 1924, the Federal Firefighters Fairness Act, was introduced by Senators Tom Carper (D-DE) and John Warner (R-VA). The bill creates a rebuttable presumption that federal fire fighters who become disabled by heart disease, lung disease, certain cancers and certain infectious diseases contracted such illnesses on the job.  Read More...

IAFF Encourages Fire Departments to Apply for SAFER Grants

July 30, 2007 – The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced that the application period for the Assistance to Firefighters Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant program will begin at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time on July 30, 2007. All applications must be received by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time on August 31, 2007.  Read More...

Busy Week on Capitol Hill for Fire Fighter Issues

July 30, 2007 – With its annual August recess fast approaching, Congress has been hard at work on a number of legislative initiatives championed by the IAFF and of great benefit to America’s fire fighters.  In the last week, Congress passed legislation further implementing the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission, the Senate approved its Homeland Security funding bill for 2008, the House voted to increase spending on E-911 initiatives, and the House passed legislation aimed at ending the delays facing families who have applied for Hometown Heroes benefits from the Department of Justice.  Read More...

House Passes Collective Bargaining Bill

July 17, 2007 – The U.S. House of Representatives has overwhelmingly passed HR 980, the Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act of 2007, which guarantees collective bargaining rights for every fire fighter in the nation. The measure received widespread, bipartisan support, prompting leaders from both parties to consider the bill under an expedited procedure usually reserved for non-controversial legislation. HR 980, which cleared the House by a margin of 314-97, is the IAFF’s single most important legislative initiative.  Read More...

Sign Up for the New FIREPAC Recurring Online Contribution Option!

July 3, 2007 -- The IAFF has introduced an online contribution option for members to contribute monthly – and automatically – to one of FIREPAC’s donor clubs. The new auto-draft program, available now, is similar to a dues check-off program. Read More...
 

IAFF Wins Pollie Award
June 25, 2007 -- The American Association of Political Consultants has recognized the IAFF once again with the prestigious Pollie Award in the “Independent Expenditure/527 Communications” category for direct mail for “Wildfires.” The winning mailer was part of a four-piece direct mail campaign the IAFF used during the Montana Senate general election in 2006.  Read More...

House Panel Approves IAFF Bargaining Bill
June 20, 2007 – Years of hard work by IAFF members across the country has paid off with the June 20 House Committee vote of 42 to 1 to guarantee collective bargaining rights for every fire fighter in the nation. The vote sends HR 980, the Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act, to the full House of Representatives. Read More...

Bargaining Bill Posed for Action
June 11, 2007 -- Within the next few weeks, the U.S. House of Representatives is expected to cast the first recorded vote in its history on granting fire fighters collective bargaining rights. The Committee on Education and Labor is working toward scheduling Committee action this month, followed by a vote in the full House of Representatives.  Read More...

Bargaining Bill Supported by Majority in House
May 29, 2007 -- IAFF legislation to ensure collective bargaining rights for all fire fighters has won the support of a clear majority in the U.S. House of Representatives -- 229 of the 440 members of the House have signed on as cosponsors. The bill continues to enjoy strong, bipartisan support with 60 Republicans joining 169 Democrats on the bill.  Read More...

Legislative Victories for New York, Gulf Coast Heroes
May 25, 2007 – The IAFF has achieved two major legislative victories with the recent passage of the Iraq War Supplemental Appropriations bill. In addition to providing funding for American troops overseas, the legislation includes $50 million for New York City fire fighters who responded to 9/11 and frees up federal funding for Gulf Coast fire fighters impacted by Hurricane Katrina. The bill also includes a provision increasing the minimum wage to $7.25. Read More...

House Panel Doubles SAFER Funding
May 18, 2007 -- A House Appropriations Subcommittee has approved legislation funding the Department of Homeland Security, doubling funding for the SAFER grant program. The spending bill, sponsored by Subcommittee Chairman David Price (D-NC), also provides increased funding for the FIRE Act grant program and funds a new interoperable communications grant program.  Read More...

House Committee Stands Up For Military Fire Fighters
May 11, 2007 – The House Armed Services Committee, led by Chairman Ike Skelton (D-MO) and Ranking Member Duncan Hunter (R-CA), have unanimously rejected a proposal by the Department of Defense (DoD) to privatize military fire fighting. The Committee also added language to the annual Defense Authorization bill to secure collective bargaining rights for thousands of fire fighters and other DoD civilian employees.  Read More...

IAFF-Backed Provisions Included in Iraq War Supplemental
May 2, 2007 -- President George W. Bush has vetoed the Supplemental Appropriation Bill providing funding for the Iraq War that also includes a number of provisions important to the nation’s fire fighters. Bush rejected the measure because it seeks to end U.S. military involvement in Iraq, but his veto derails several other provisions included in the bill.  Read More...

IAFF Seeks Fair Implementation of Hometown Heroes
April 20, 2007 -- The IAFF, in conjunction with the International Association of Fire Chiefs and other national groups representing the interests of the fire service, have sent a letter to President George Bush requesting that he examine the Public Safety Officers Benefit (PSOB) program to ensure that fallen fire fighters are receiving benefits mandated by the Hometown Heroes Act.  Read More... 

Collective Bargaining Bill Is More Than Halfway to Goal of 218 Cosponsors
April 20, 2007 -- Thanks to the efforts of grassroots IAFF activists, 133 members of the House of Representatives have signed on as cosponsors of HR 980, the Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act. The number puts the IAFF well on the way to achieve its goal of having 218 cosponsors – a majority of the House of Representatives – and virtually ensures passage of the legislation.  Read More...

Application Deadline for FIRE Act Grants Is May 4
March 30, 2007 – The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will be accepting applications for the 2007 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program through May 4, 2007. Using new criteria – which should benefit many of the fire departments represented by IAFF locals – DHS will give a higher level of consideration to departments with a high call volume and to departments that protect large populations.  Read More...

Message to Congress: AMT Should Not Tax Fire Fighters
March 23, 2007 – Michael Day, president of Baltimore County, MD Local 1311, testified before the U.S. House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee March 22 that the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) could hit fire fighters hard with a tax increase next year if Congress fails to protect them from it.  Read More...

IAFF Presidential Forum Catches National Spotlight
The IAFF Presidential Forum -- the first bipartisan event of its kind -- captured international media attention March 14, making headline news as eleven of the top candidates from both parties addressed more than 1,000 IAFF leaders and members. The Presidential Forum began the process of deciding which candidate will earn the IAFF’s support in the 2008 election.  Follow the coverage...

Legislative Conference Attendees Make Great Strides in Congress
March 19, 2007 – Members of Congress have responded overwhelmingly to the more than 900 IAFF members who stormed Capitol Hill March 13 as part of the 2007 Alfred K. Whitehead Legislative Conference. Dozens of members of Congress have signed on to support IAFF legislative priorities over the past week.  Read More...

IAFF Says Federal First Responder Support Is Inadequate
March 9, 2007 – Blaming a lack of commitment by the Bush administration, IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger testified before a U.S. House Homeland Security Subcommittee hearing March 9 on “Preparing for Disasters, Natural or Otherwise” that the United States is not much better prepared to respond than before the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.  Read More...

IAFF Endorses Remaining 9/11 Commission Recommendations
February 28, 2007 – IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger met with members of the 9/11 Commission, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV), Chair of the Senate Homeland Security Committee Joe Lieberman (ID-CT) and other U.S. senators February 28 to discuss the implementation of the remaining 9/11 Commission recommendations and other first responder needs.  Read More...

Federal Presumptive Legislation Introduced in House
February 20, 2007 – Legislation granting disability retirement benefits to federal fire fighters who contact certain illnesses on the job has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives.  Read More...

Bargaining Bill Introduced in House
February 12, 2007 – The Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation was introduced in the House of Representatives by Representatives Dale Kildee (D-MI) and John Duncan (R-TN). IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger has identified the Cooperation Act, HR 980, as the IAFF’s highest legislative priority.  Read More...

DHS Posts Workshop Schedule for 2007 FIRE Act Grant Applications
January 25, 2007 – Beginning January 25, the Assistance to Firefighters (FIRE Act) FY 2007 workshop schedule is available online. Administered by the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Grants and Training (G&T) in cooperation with the U.S. Fire Administration, the FIRE Act grant program assists rural, urban and suburban fire departments throughout the United States in funding activities including the purchase of fire fighting equipment, personal protective equipment, training, fire fighting and EMS vehicles and other first responder safety projects.  Read More...

New Congress Highlights Fire Fighter Issues
January 10, 2007 -- The new 110th Congress is off to a quick start, placing fire fighter issues at the forefront of its agenda, including HR.1 – a proposal to fully implement the recommendations of the 9-11 Commission – which the House of Representatives passed overwhelming in a 299-128 vote January 9.  Read More...