The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) joins with other national fire service organizations to strongly oppose proposed cuts to the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) and Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grants.
The Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) and Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grants programs provide critical funding to help fire departments secure needed equipment, training, and staffing to adequately protect their communities.
Opposition to proposed cuts to AFG and SAFER grants
On July 27, the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee voted to report legislation to cut these vital programs
On July 27, the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee voted to report legislation to cut these vital programs. The FY 2024 Department of Homeland Security Appropriations bill would cut these programs to US$ 338 million each, a US$ 22 million reduction from FY 2023.
The House of Representatives version of the bill would maintain funding for these programs at US$ 360 million each in FY 2024.
AFG and SAFER grants offer a lifeline to fire and EMS
The AFG and SAFER grants provide a lifeline to fire and EMS departments across the nation, as they face challenges, such as expanding missions, increased costs, and staffing shortages.
The NVFC, International Association of Fire Chiefs, International Association of Fire Fighters, Congressional Fire Services Institute, National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, and National Fire Protection Association have released a joint statement calling upon Congress to restore this critical funding.
National fire service organizations call for action
The national fire service organizations call for action by letting the Senators and House Representatives know of the importance to protect the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) and Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grants.
Use the National Volunteer Fire Council’s Action Center to easily send a message to the legislators now.
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