WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today following Senate passage of a bill to extend funding for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) called on the House of Representatives to pass a clean funding bill, ensuring that the DHS can continue to provide fire departments with funding for safety equipment and other critical resources. If the House does not act by midnight, DHS will shut down.

“Today, the Senate came together to prevent a shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security and to ensure that our firefighters and first responders have the resources they need to protect themselves and our communities,” said Brown. “Now, House Republicans must put aside partisan differences and take swift action to pass a long-term extension of funding before the midnight deadline.”

More than 500 Ohio fire departments currently have active applications for funding through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program– which could be delayed or disrupted unless Congress acts. While funding decisions are scheduled to begin next month, a DHS shutdown would delay the grants until the agency is funded. Brown provided county-by-county information on the fire departments throughout Ohio that have applied for a total of more than $100 million in AFG funds during this application round.

The AFG, Staffing for Adequate Fire & Emergency Response (SAFER), and Fire Prevention & Safety (FP&S) grant programs provide critical assistance to local fire departments that often depend on federal funding for equipment, staffing, and safety upgrades that local governments cannot afford. The AFG program provides funds for firefighter training, facility upgrades, and new equipment while the SAFER program allows local municipalities to hire career firefighters and recruit and retain volunteer firefighters. The FP&S program supports projects that enhance the safety of the public and firefighters from fire and related hazards.

 

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