Barbara Mikulski: “My amendment which is pending adds $150 million to the Fire Grant Program, bringing it to the authorized level of $900…”

“My amendment which is pending adds $150 million to the Fire Grant Program, bringing it to the authorized level of $900 million. This Fire Grant Program is peer-reviewed and merit based with no pork in it. It provides grants to local fire departments. The President requested $500 million, the chairman added another $200 million, then Senator Frist added another $50 million on Friday, but I want to bring it up to the full $900 million. Why? This Fire Grant Program is the only program that really helps our firefighters have the equipment they need to protect themselves, as well as modern equipment. Last year, the Fire Grant Program received $2.5 billion for its requests--20,000 worthy applications. I know we can't fund it at $2.5 billion, but we can fund it at the authorized level. Therefore, I urge adoption of my amendment. Let us protect the first responders so they can protect us.”