IAFC, IAFF call for legislators to end government shutdown, support fire, EMS departments

WASHINGTON. — The IAFF and IAFC are calling on Congress to immediately end the government shutdown, saying that reopening federal operations will restore stability, fulfill commitments to public servants, and allow fire and EMS departments nationwide to access essential funding and support.

In a letter to Senate and House of Representatives leaders, IAFF General President Ed Kelly and IAFC President Trisha Wolford urged Congress to end the shutdown immediately.

| MORE: Government shutdown: Tracking the firefighter impact

Federal firefighters protecting military bases, airfields, research labs, VA facilities and other critical infrastructure have continued working without pay since Oct. 1, according to the letter. The organizations said in a statement that these firefighters, who often work 72-hour weeks, face growing financial strain and called on Congress to restore their pay schedule and guarantee full back pay and benefits, consistent with past shutdowns.

The shutdown is also hurting municipal and state fire and EMS departments by blocking access to critical grants, including AFG and SAFER awards, the letter stated.

Since Oct. 1, Medicare reimbursements for ground ambulance transport have been reduced following the lapse of the program’s “extender” payments. The organizations said the funding gap is straining local fire and EMS budgets and urged Congress to reopen the government and renew the payment add-ons.