Bill reauthorizing fire grants programs clears committee

By FireRescue1 Staff

WASHINGTON — A bill reauthorizing the AFG and SAFER programs has been approved by a congressional committee, with an amendment to prohibit grants under the bill from being awarded to a controversial community organization.

The Fire Grants Reauthorization Act of 2009 was approved with strong bipartisan support by the Science and Technology Committee Wednesday.

An amendment banning the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN) from receiving fire service related grants funding program was passed, as Republicans pointed out that a controversial fire grant of nearly $1 million was nearly awarded to the organization in September.

"I believe it is prudent to ensure that ACORN does not receive a single dime of the taxpayers' money from this program." Rep. Paul Broun, R-Ga., said after offering the amendment.

"This is an organization that is already under investigation by the US Department of Justice," he said.

H.R. 3791, the Fire Grants Reauthorization Act of 2009, also contains provisions based on a series of policy recommendations put forth by fire service organizations.

The bill would extend the program for five years, and aims to facilitate fire departments' use of the funding by lowering the matching requirements for the AFG program, and modifying the time and matching commitments for the SAFER program.

Additionally, it establishes new maximum award amounts based on jurisdiction and provides broader access and flexibility for volunteer, EMS, state and national groups to receive funding.

The bill now moves to the House floor for a full vote.