Elton Gallegly: “H.R. 460 is a bill I first introduced in 1995 to stop the forced early retirement of our federal firefighters. The bill…”

“H.R. 460 is a bill I first introduced in 1995 to stop the forced early retirement of our federal firefighters. The bill raises the mandatory retirement age for federal firefighters from 55 to 57, allowing federal firefighters the option of continuing their careers for an additional two years. The bill has gained over 92 bipartisan cosponsors, and the endorsement of the International Association of Fire Chiefs. Several years ago, Congress passed legislation which raised the mandatory retirement age for 'federal law enforcement officers' from 55 to 57. However, Congress neglected to raise the retirement age for federal firefighters. The net result has been that capable firefighters are being denied the opportunity to work simply because they turn 55. I introduced H.R. 460 to correct this omission in the law. Madam Speaker, when this year's fire season reached its height, communities around the nation endured a dangerous shortage of experienced firefighters.”