Political Quotes

“Adopting this amendment is going to demonstrate the firm commitment this House has to those individuals who literally put their lives on the line. Fire fighters, first responders, lost 100 lives last year, half as many as all the law enforcement people in this country. We need to move ahead in this area. There are 32,000 fire departments. They need help. This allows more research, more funding, and it is going to be the kind of gesture that is really going to put us on the front line. When we have disasters it is the first responders that are there, whether it is a shooting, whether it is a hurricane, whether it is a tornado or a volcano or earthquake. It is the people who want to help the school when there is a fundraiser, it is the first responders and firemen who come to that assistance. Let us give them this support. Mr. Chairman, this Nation is well-served by the 1.2 million men and women who work as fire and emergency services personnel in over 32,000 fire departments across this country. They play a crucial role protecting and preserving our lives and our property . . . a dangerous role--an average of nearly 100 firefighters a year lose those lives in the line of duty. Eighty percent of those who serve do so as volunteers.”