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| Bi-Weekly Update |
July 10, 2009 |
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Senate Passes Homeland Security Spending Bill
On Friday, July 10th, the Senate passed S. 1298, the Fiscal Year 2010 Homeland Security Appropriations Act. The spending bill was approved by a vote of 84-6. The bill provides $44.3 billion in funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The bill includes $420 million for the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant program, doubling the current amount of funding for this critical program. The bill also provides $390 million for the Assistance to Firefighters (FIRE) Grant program. While this represents a 31% cut in funding to the program, the Senate provided a significant increase in funding over the Obama Administration's request. The White House initially requested only $170 million for the FIRE Grant program; a 70% cut to Fiscal Year 2009's enacted level. The Senate Appropriations Committee initially approved $380 million for the FIRE Grant program. During consideration of the bill the Senate adopted an amendment sponsored by Senator Christopher Dodd (CT), Senator Joseph Lieberman (CT), and Senator Tom Carper (DE) that increased funding for the FIRE Grant program by $10 million, bringing the total amount of funding for the program to $390 million. The House passed its version of the appropriations bill on June 24th. The House bill contains the same funding levels for both FIRE and SAFER. The House and Senate will now convene a conference committee to resolve any differences between the two bills before voting on the final bill and sending it to the White House for the President's signature. CFSI will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available. |
President Obama Names Chief Kelvin Cochran to Head USFA
On July 7th, President Obama announced his intent to nominate Chief Kelvin Cochran to serve as the U.S. Fire Administrator. The U.S. Fire Administration is a part of the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency. Its mission is to foster a solid foundation in prevention, preparedness, and response by providing national leadership to local fire and emergency services. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano applauded President Obama's decision. "Kelvin will play a vital role in strengthening our fire prevention and emergency management capabilities across the country," said Secretary Napolitano. "Working closely with our state and local partners, Kelvin will lead our nationwide efforts to prepare for and respond to fire emergencies." Chief Cochran has 28 years experience in firefighting, emergency medical services, hazardous materials, public education, research and development, personnel management, and administration, with a specialization in training and strategic planning. He previously served as chief in his hometown of Shreveport, LA. Most recently he was fire chief of the Atlanta Fire and Rescue Department. He also served as 1st Vice President of the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), and Vice Chairman of Volunteers of America (VOA). The Senate Committee of Homeland Security and Government Affairs will hold a confirmation hearing before the nomination goes before the full Senate. The Committee is chaired by Senator Joe Lieberman (ID-CT) with Congressional Fire Services Caucus Co-Chair Susan Collins (R-ME) as the ranking member. No date has been set for the confirmation hearing.
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| Register for the 2nd Annual Night at the Nationals Sponsored By Fire Team USA
Gather your friends, family, colleagues or clients and treat everyone to one of our nation's greatest past times in the heart of our nation's capital.
Come out and enjoy the company of friends and the beautiful fall weather at Nationals Ballpark as the Washington Nationals face the Philadelphia Phillies! Each ticket includes one game seat, a complimentary seat cushion, and entry to CFSI's hospitality area inside the stadium, with complimentary food and beverages for all guests. Once the teams take to the field, we will take to our seats located along the left field foul-line. All proceeds from this event will benefit CFSI and the DC Fire and EMS Foundation.
DATE: Thursday, September 10, 2009
TIME: Hospitality Area Open from 5:40 p.m. until first pitch at 7:10 p.m.
LOCATION: Nationals Ballpark, Washington, DC
PRICE: $75 per ticket MORE: The hospitality suite will remain open through the first pitch. It will close at approximately 7:15PM. Hot dogs, burgers, and beverages will be served while it is open.
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Dont forget, the best way to show your support for CFSI is by joining the Associates Club
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Congressional Fire Services Institute
900 2nd St. NE, Suite 303
Washington DC 20002
www.cfsi.org
update@cfsi.org
202-371-1277
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