Jon Runyan: “My budget-neutral amendment, authored with my colleague from New Jersey (Mr. Pascrell), who was going to be here on the…”

“My budget-neutral amendment, authored with my colleague from New Jersey (Mr. Pascrell), who was going to be here on the floor today but is attending Senator Lautenberg's memorial service this afternoon, supports our Nation's firefighters in two critical ways. The FIRE and SAFER grant programs are two need-based, Department of Homeland Security-administered programs that go directly to local fire departments throughout the country. This amendment supports volunteer and career firefighters by giving them resources to purchase highly specialized equipment necessary to carry out their mission. Mr. Chair, we all recognize the budget pressures facing our Federal Government and the need to prioritize where our tax dollars are spent. FIRE and SAFER grants are a very important partnership with local fire departments and invest in our communities and increase the safety of our constituents. For that reason, I strongly urge my colleagues to support this amendment, which helps to ensure firefighters have the resources they need. I yield back the balance of my time.”