[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 84 (Wednesday, June 6, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1003]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   SUPPORT FOR FIRE AND SAFER GRANTS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. STENY H. HOYER

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 6, 2012

  Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the amendment 
offered by Mr. Runyan and Mr. Kissell and others, which seeks to ensure 
that our Nation's fire stations are adequately staffed and that 
firefighters have the tools they need to protect our communities safely 
and effectively. Specifically, this amendment will restore the 
successful FIRE and SAFER grant programs to last year's funding level 
of $337.5 million each.
  Independent observers have found that FIRE and SAFER work: an 
independent study from the U.S. Fire Administration found that grants 
like these are making our fire departments more prepared and better 
equipped to protect our communities. Cutting FIRE and SAFER makes it 
more difficult for our communities to recruit, train, and retain 
skilled firefighters. And, it makes it far more difficult for our 
departments to equip themselves with the up-to-date tools critical to 
protecting property and saving lives.
  I want to make clear that I am not pleased with the offset being used 
to restore this funding. However, I recognize that my colleagues were 
left with very few options, given the cuts made to the overall bill. I 
am hopeful that this will be addressed in conference with the Senate.
  I urge my colleagues to support this amendment, fund FIRE and SAFER 
at the Fiscal Year 2012 level, and protect these vital investments in 
public safety.

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