IAFF members are beginning to see the impact of their advocacy on Capitol Hill following the 2025 Alfred K. Whitehead Legislative Conference earlier this month.
Since March 3, the first full day of the conference, 44 members of Congress – 30 Democrats and 14 Republicans – have signed on to cosponsor the Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act, or Honor Act.
The Honor Act is one of the IAFF’s top legislative priorities for the 119th Congress. This bipartisan legislation would classify fire fighters who die from occupational cancer as line-of-duty deaths. The bill would also allow the survivors of these fallen fire fighters to qualify for the Public Safety Officer Benefits (PSOB) program, ensuring they have the resources they need during an incredibly challenging time.
The increase in support comes after IAFF members lobbied their elected officials in Washington, D.C., making the case on the importance of enacting federal policy that acknowledges the cancer risks posed to fire fighters.
“The science is clear – fire fighters are much more likely to develop certain cancers due to our job than the public. Every day, we’re exposed to toxins from smoke, vehicle exhaust, and even our own protective gear – which is full of carcinogenic, cancer-causing PFAS,” said General President Edward Kelly. “That’s why the IAFF is strongly supporting the Honor Act. Cancer is the number one killer of fire fighters, and it’s time for Congress to fully support the survivors of those first responders who fall in the line of duty.”
While the Honor Act saw the largest increase in support post-conference, other IAFF priority bills have also seen increased backing from lawmakers following members’ lobbying efforts. Over the past two weeks, several Democrats and Republicans have signed on to cosponsor the Federal Firefighters Families First Act (H.R. 759), the Public Safety Officer Free Speech Act (H.R. 1143), and the Public Safety Employee-Employer Cooperation Act (H.R. 1505/S. 636), which would guarantee fire fighters’ right to engage in collective bargaining in federal law.
Cancer is the number one killer of fire fighters, and it’s time for Congress to fully support the survivors of those first responders who fall in the line of duty.
General President Edward Kelly
During the previous Congress, the IAFF was able to pass two of its biggest legislative priorities – the Fire Grants and Safety Act and the Social Security Fairness Act – into law. As the 119th Congress moves forward, know that your IAFF will fight to continue our recent success on Capitol Hill, working alongside Democrats and Republicans to advance legislation that improves the safety and well-being of America’s fire fighters.
“I want to applaud those who attended our 2025 Legislative Conference. Their commitment to our brothers and sisters, and their strong work on Capitol Hill advocating for the issues that matter most to us as fire fighters, are already having an important impact,” said Kelly.
To see the full list of the IAFF’s top legislative priorities this Congress, and to see how they’ll impact you, click here.
