[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 11]
[Senate]
[Page 16188]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



            FEDERAL FIREFIGHTERS RETIREMENT AGE FAIRNESS ACT

  Mr. REID. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent the Senate proceed 
to the immediate consideration of Calendar No. 132, H.R. 93.
  The PRESIDENT pro tempore. The clerk will report the bill by title.
  The legislative clerk read as follows:

       A bill (H.R. 93) to amend title 5, United States Code, to 
     provide that the mandatory separation age for Federal 
     firefighters be made the same as the age that applies with 
     respect to Federal law enforcement officers.

  There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the bill.
  Mr. REID. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the bill be 
read a third time and passed, the motion to reconsider be laid upon the 
table, and any statements relating thereto be printed in the Record, 
with no intervening action or debate.
  The PRESIDENT pro tempore. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  The bill (H.R. 93) was read the third time and passed.
  Mrs. FEINSTEIN. Mr. President, today, I applaud my colleagues for 
passing the Federal Firefighters Retirement Age Fairness Act. This 
legislation raises the mandatory retirement age for Federal 
firefighters from 55 to 57.
  Federal firefighters are first on the scene to many types of 
disasters in addition to fires. They respond to hazardous materials 
threats and terrorist incidents such as the bombing of the World Trade 
Center in 1993.
  Due to an oversight, however, Federal firefighters are currently the 
only Federal law enforcement employees required to retire at 55 years.
  Because many Federal firefighters wish to continue providing their 
services to the American people after the age of 55, they are 
frequently hired back by the Federal Government as ``consultants.'' 
Private consultants charge a higher fee than Federal firefighters' 
salaries. As a result, the Federal Government pays more money for the 
same individuals' services, simply because they are over the age of 55.
  This bill does not change the minimum age to retire with full 
benefits. If an individual wishes to retire at 55, he or she may do so 
without penalty. The legislation gives firefighters the option of 
working until the age of 57 if they wish.
  The bill enjoys broad bipartisan support and the endorsement of key 
labor organizations such as the American Federation of Government 
Employees, the National Association of Government Employees, and the 
International Association of Fire Chiefs.
  According to the Congressional Budget Office, this legislation will 
save taxpayers more than $4 million over the next four years. Federal 
firefighting capabilities are being sorely tested; we need to make it 
possible for agencies to retain experienced, qualified firefighters.
  ``The Federal Firefighters Retirement Age Fairness Act'' was the 
first bill the House of Representatives passed unanimously this year. I 
am


pleased my colleagues here in the Senate chose to support this 
important legislation, as well.

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