Political Quotes

“I thank my friend, the chairwoman of the full committee, and my friend, Mr. Keller from Pennsylvania, for their strong support for righting a wrong. Federal firefighters and law enforcement officers put their lives on the line every day for us. America depends on brave men and women to serve in these demanding, arduous, and hazardous duty positions. These individuals face the very real daily potential that an on-the-job injury could leave them disabled and unable to return to their previous service. Given the hazardous nature of the job required of Federal first responders, Congress recognized that risk and created an accelerated retirement system for these positions and established a mandatory retirement age of 57. Referred to as 6(c) for the section of the law in which this system was created, Federal first responders are qualified for an annuity after serving 20 years and reaching the age of 50. They pay a greater percentage of their salaries into this retirement system, and their annuity amount is calculated at a higher rate than other Federal employees recognizing the risks they take. Unfortunately, not all Federal first responders can complete those 20 years of service. In cases where Federal first responders become injured and are no longer able to complete the essential functions of their jobs, they can be placed in civil service positions that don't qualify for 6(c) benefits.…”