Political Quotes

“I would rise today in strong support of the underlying bill which reauthorizes one of the most effective agencies in the Department of Homeland Security. H.R. 4847 provides $70 million annually to the Fire Administration through 2012 to ensure long-term funding stability for this critical agency. The statistics are sobering. Every year, over 100 firefighters die in the line of duty. In 2005, the National Fire Protection Association reported 3,675 civilian deaths, nearly 18,000 civilian fire injuries, and over $10 billion in direct losses due to fire. The United States Fire Administration plays a critical leadership role in leading local fire departments to dramatically reduce these numbers. I, along with all of the other speakers who have come before you in support of this legislation, encourage its passage.”