House passes bill reauthorizing AFG, SAFER grants programs

By FireRescue1 Staff

WASHINGTON — The House of Representatives Wednesday approved a bill reauthorizing the AFG and SAFER programs.

H.R. 3791, the Fire Grants Reauthorization Act of 2009, would extend the grants programs for five years, marking $1 billion for AFG and $1.2 million for SAFER per year.

The bill also includes several proposed changes to the programs, intending to support smaller combination and volunteer fire departments successfully compete for and receive grants.

Among the changes are the creation of a survey to determine if departments are following safe practices and a task force comprised of fire service organization representatives to advise Congress on ways to improve adherence to safety standards.

An amendment in the bill would prohibit the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN) from receiving fire service related grants, after outcry over a controversial fire grant of nearly $1 million was almost awarded to the organization in September.

House members overwhelmingly passed the bill by a 395 to 31 vote and it now moves to the Senate for consideration.