[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 84 (Wednesday, May 15, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E505]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  SUPPORT OF HOUSE AMENDMENT TO S. 870

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 15, 2024

  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, the Assistance to Fire Grants (AFG) and 
Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grants 
provide essential resources to fire departments around the country. 
Since their authorization in 2000, these grant programs have provided 
more than $15 billion in funding nationwide to community fire 
departments, ensuring that they are prepared for whatever challenges 
they might face. It is essential Congress fund these programs as local 
governments often lack the resources to invest in new firefighting 
equipment and to cover the costs of hiring and training new 
firefighters.
  I voted in support of the House Amendment to S. 870, the Fire Grants 
and Safety Act of 2023 because we must continue to deliver these vital 
funds to our communities. However, I am disappointed that House 
Republicans amended this legislation to add an unrelated bill, S. 
1111--the Accelerating Deployment of Versatile, Advanced Nuclear for 
Clean Energy (ADVANCE) Act. The reauthorization of the AFG and SAFER 
grants should not have been packaged with a bill to accelerate nuclear 
energy deployment, which is a complex issue that deserves its own 
debate and vote. I would have preferred to vote on these two unrelated 
issues separately.
  I will continue to support our local fire departments and ensure that 
they have access to the federal resources they need to keep our 
communities safe.

                          ____________________