The Fire Grants and Safety Act reauthorizes grant programs that provide federal funding to fire departments across the country

Funding helps smaller and rural fire departments purchase much-needed equipment like firetrucks, hoses, and other necessities

The bipartisan bill passed the U.S. Senate in an 88-2 vote on Tuesday, now heads to the President’s desk to be signed into law

Senator Reverend Warnock: “I’m proud to have played a role in getting this critical legislation across the finish line. Our firefighters and EMS responders are some of the best and bravest among us, and every fire department throughout Georgia, especially in our rural communities, ought to have the resources and support they need to protect our communities,”” 

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) voted to reauthorize the bipartisan Fire Grants and Safety Act, legislation that will deliver federal funding to fire departments across Georgia and the United States. The bill now heads to President Biden’s desk to be signed into law.

“I’m proud to have played a role in getting this critical legislation across the finish line. Our firefighters and EMS responders are some of the best and bravest among us, and every fire department throughout Georgia, especially in our rural communities, ought to have the resources and support they need to protect our communities,” said Senator Reverend Warnock.

The Fire Grants and Safety Act reauthorizes the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program and Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Program, federal programs that help fire departments across the United States purchase equipment and hire more firefighters. The legislation also strengthens funding for the U.S. Fire Administration by about $20 million while maintaining the authorized annual funding level for SAFER and AFG at $750 million.

Senator Warnock has long worked to provide funding and support for our nation’s firefighters. Last year, he and Senator Ossoff helped secure over $2.5 million in funding for nine fire departments in Georgia. Additionally, in this year’s government funding bill, Senator Warnock secured $1.2 million in Congressionally-directed spending funds to support the purchase of equipment for the Fannin Country Fire Department.

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