Cord Byrd: “I will not object to the chairman's amendment. We need additional funds for the SAFER Firefighter Hiring Program. But…”

“I will not object to the chairman's amendment. We need additional funds for the SAFER Firefighter Hiring Program. But this amendment leaves the program to equip and train firefighters $150 million below fiscal year 2005. Last year the Department received $2.76 billion of eligible applications and could only approve 25 percent of the applications. In response to this incredible demand for firefighting funds, the bill will cut firefighter equipment and training grants from $650 million to $500 million. So while I don't oppose the chairman's amendment, I put the Senate on notice that I will offer an amendment to restore the cuts in equipment and training for our firefighters. I hope the Senate will agree to the pending amendment.”