On August 2, 2017, the Senate unanimously passed S. 829, the AFG and SAFER Reauthorization Act. The bill passed on what is called the “unanimous consent” calendar, meaning that unless a Senator registers objection, members do not actually have to cast a vote. If there is no objection, the bill is considered passed unanimously.

For text of bill S.829, click on the link here.

S. 829 reauthorizes AFG and SAFER through Fiscal Year 2023. The bill does not contain a “sunset” provision. Current law, however, is subject to a sunset provision which means the House must pass the bill and President Trump must sign it before the AFG and SAFER programs can be continued in FY 2018.

A special thanks goes to Sean Carroll at CFSI and our additional fire service coalition partners for working on the passage of the bill in the Senate. Action now moves to the House where a mark up is expected in the Science and Technology Committee when the House returns from its August recess in September.

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].