On the recordApril 14, 2011
I want to highlight an important provision that is included in the Homeland Security division of this bill. It is related to the firefighter hiring program known as SAFER. In 2009 and 2010, Congress approved waivers for several restrictions of the SAFER grant program because in this economic downturn fire departments were struggling to meet those requirements. By adding this flexibility to the program, fire departments were able to make the best use of the funding provided in fiscal years 2009 and 2010. A provision in this bill maintains three of the same waivers for fiscal year 2011 and specifically allows for the grants to be used to retain and/or rehire personnel, to supplant local funds, and a local match is not required. While some might argue that it is a local responsibility to hire firefighters, it has been made clear disaster after disaster--and especially including catastrophic events such as the 9/11 attacks and Hurricane Katrina--that firefighters are the first people we call on from all over the Nation to serve in a national response. Of course, I supported the inclusion of all six waivers contained in the Inouye amendment. Through negotiations we were able to secure the provisions that allow for the retention and/or rehiring of firefighters, the waiver of a cost share, and the ability to supplant local funds.
