|
|
| Bi-Weekly Update |
October 22, 2009 |
 |
|
|
|
|
Homeland Security Spending Bill Approved By Congress
The Senate delivered to President Obama a $44.1 billion Homeland Security spending measure by a vote of 79-19 on Tuesday, October 20th. The Senate adopted the conference report for HR 2892, the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, making it the fourth fiscal 2010 appropriations measure to reach the president's desk.
Included in the bill is $390 million for the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (FIRE Act) and $420 million for the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant Program. Also included in the bill is $45,588,000 to fund the United States Fire Administration. |
House Science & Technology Committee Approves Measure to Reauthorize FIRE and SAFER Grants
On Wednesday, October 14th, the Subcommittee on Technology and Innovation approved H.R. 3791, legislation to reauthorize the Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) program, which provides funds for local fire departments and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) organizations to purchase equipment. The bill also reauthorizes the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response program, known as SAFER, which provides grants for hiring and retaining personnel. The measure will reauthorize both programs through fiscal year 2014.
Following the subcommittee's action, the House Science & Technology Committee approved the measure unanimously on Wednesday, October 21st. The bill, sponsored by Congressman Harry E. Mitchell (AZ-5), will now be considered by the full House. The Senate has not yet taken action to reauthorize the two programs.
|
|
President Obama Nominates FEMA Grant Administrator
President Obama has nominated Elizabeth M. Harman, a former firefighter, to be Assistant Administrator of the Grant Programs Directorate at the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Harman currently serves as Director of the Hazardous Materials and Weapons of Mass Destruction Training Department at the International Association of Fire Fighters.
As assistant administrator, Harman would oversee the management of more than 50 grant and financial-assistance programs that disburse approximately $4 billion in non-disaster grant funding each year.
Harman previously held administrative positions in emergency management and taught at several academic institutions, including Northwestern State University, the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute at the University of Maryland, and George Washington University. Prior to this, Harman served as a firefighter and paramedic in Fairfax City, VA, and earned a master's degree in emergency health services from the University of Maryland and a Master's in Business Administration from California Pacific University.
|
CFSI Executive Director Honored by FAMA/FEMSA Government Affairs Committee
Bill Webb, Executive Director of the Congressional Fire Services Institute, received the 2009 Edward H. McCormack Spirit of Excellence Award at the annual Fall meeting of the Fire Apparatus Manufactures Association and Fire and Emergency Manufactures and Services Association (FEMSA) in Washington, DC. The award is presented annually to a fire service leader whose work reflects the ideals and dedication to the fire service of the late-Edward H. McCormack. "I was fortunate to have known Ed McCormack and to have learned from him many skills that have served me well at CFSI," said Webb. "I extend my thanks to the FAMA/FEMSA Government Affairs Committee for awarding me his honor." |
Show Your Support For CFSI, Join the Associates Club
The Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI) is committed to its mission of educating members of Congress about the needs of the fire service. CFSI also recognizes the importance of keeping you informed with our bi-weekly. A great way to support CFSI is through the Associates Club. The Associates Club provides vital funding for CFSI and helps us complete our mission. Each level of membership comes with a variety of benefits. If you are interested in joining please visit: http://www.cfsi.org/associates_join.asp. Thank you for your support. | |
|
|
|
Dont forget, the best way to show your support for CFSI is by joining the Associates Club
|
Congressional Fire Services Institute
900 2nd St. NE, Suite 303
Washington DC 20002
www.cfsi.org
update@cfsi.org
202-371-1277
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
