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Legislative Action

The heart of the IAFF’s success on Capitol Hill and in state legislatures across the United States is the ability of every fire fighter to make their voice heard. Our members mobilize their elected officials to support priorities that will keep fire fighters safe, ensure fair wages, safeguard fire fighters’ retirement, and protect the public from life-threatening emergencies. Our online advocacy center allows fire fighters to share their opinions directly with elected officials on issues that matter most.

In This Section

Federal Action

La législation fédérale prioritaire de l’IAFF garantit aux pompiers des conditions de travail sécuritaires, des salaires équitables et des retraits sécurisés. L’IAFF soutient fièrement tout politicien ou décideur politique, peu importe son parti, qui soutient nos pompiers. C’est pourquoi nous travaillons avec les 535 membres du Congrès, la branche exécutive et les agences fédérales pour faire avancer des politiques alignées sur la mission de l’IAFF. Nous collaborons avec tout membre du Congrès ou de l’administration présidentielle qui soutient les pompiers.

Support Survivors of Fallen Public Safety Officers

The IAFF urges Congress to pass the Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act (S. 930/H.R. 1719) to recognize first responders’ occupational cancer deaths as line-of-duty deaths and provide death benefits to their survivors. Fire fighters have a significantly greater likelihood of developing cancer due to on-the-job exposures. Congress must stand by their survivors and recognize their sacrifice as a line-of-duty death.

Support the Development of Next-Generation Protective Gear

The IAFF urges Congress to pass the PFAS Alternatives Act (H.R. 4769) to drive the development of next-generation protective gear. America’s fire fighters are forced to use gear that offers limited protection and contains PFAS chemicals. The PFAS Alternatives Act will help fire fighters obtain gear that is safer and free of carcinogens.

Protect Fire Fighters' Right to Free Speech

Fire fighters work a dangerous job and deserve the right to speak openly and freely about the challenges they face. However, fire fighters and other public safety officers are routinely fired or suspended for expressing their needs. The IAFF urges Congress to pass the Public Safety Officer Free Speech Act and ensure our first responders are not unfairly denied the right to discuss job-related issues.

Support Collective Bargaining for Fire Fighters and EMS Personnel

The IAFF urges Congress to pass the Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act (H.R. 3539). This legislation ensures fire fighters and EMS personnel have the right to work with their employers to address concerns related to working conditions.

Fairness for Retired First Responders

The WEP/GPO provision denies Social Security benefits for retired first responders who paid their fair share simply because they chose a career in public service. Despite paying into Social Security through a second job, thousands of fire fighters and EMS personnel are denied their full Social Security benefits because they were not eligible for Social Security through their primary job. The IAFF urges Congress to pass the Social Security Fairness Act (H.R. 82/S. 597) and end the penalty on public service.

How to Lobby: Tips and Best Practices

Chaque aspect du travail d’un pompier – du droit de négocier collectivement, de l’équipement et du personnel adéquats jusqu’aux prestations de retraite – est façonné par les décisions des élus.

Le lobbying vous permet de raconter votre propre histoire et de vous battre pour ce qui compte pour vous et vos membres. Les membres de l’IAFF doivent être prêts à se battre pour leurs propres besoins et à soutenir leurs collègues pompiers.

Le département des affaires gouvernementales de l’IAFF a élaboré quelques conseils et meilleures pratiques pour s’assurer que vous soyez prêt. Ce document détaille tout ce que vous devez savoir sur ce qu’est le lobbying, comment vous préparer pour une rencontre avec vos élus, quoi faire pendant la réunion et comment faire un suivi après la réunion.

Act Now!

Send a letter to your elected official on the issues most important to fire fighters.