Yesterday, May 17, the Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee unanimously passed S. 829, The AFG and SAFER Program Reauthorization Act of 2017. Special thanks goes to Senators McCain (AZ), Tester (MT), Collins (ME) and Carper (DE) for being original co-sponsors of the bill.

Click here to see the attached substitute amended S. 829 bill that was passed yesterday.

During the markup an amendment was accepted to allow SAFER funds to be used to convert part-time firefighters to full-time status. An amendment was also added to help prevent waste, fraud and abuse.

In total, the reauthorization is consistent with the objectives of the fire service coalition. As always, a special thanks to Sean Carroll and CFSI for shepherding S. 829 through the Committee. Next step will be the Senate floor.

If you have any questions, please contact GAC Co-chairs John Granby at [email protected]; Lee Morris at [email protected]; Joe Mirabile at [email protected]; or GAC Sr. Adviser Dave Gatton at [email protected].