Funds for SAFER, AFG, USFA Stalled in Senate

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- As Congress prepares to head out of town for Presidents’ Day recess, funding for fire grant programs remains in limbo.

 Included in the DHS bill that is stalled in the Senate is money for SAFER and AFG as well as the USFA.

 The proposal calls for $680M, evenly split between SAFER and AFG, while the USFA is slated to receive $44M.

 Delays in funding the programs are not new, said David Finger, chief of legislative and regulatory affairs at the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC).

 “Right now, we’re about nine months behind in the 2014 program,” he said, adding that stalls are commonplace.

 A peer review committee -- comprised of firefighters from across the nation -- wrapped up work on reviewing AFG applications in January. So, awards won’t be announced for a few months.

 “Firefighters depend on the funds to help upgrade their equipment to enhance their readiness,” Finger said.

 The SAFER application period – for 2014 grants – is open now through 5 p.m. March 6.

 While the House has passed its version of the DHS funding plan, the Senate has not. In the past few days, there has been talk of a continuing resolution that would prevent a shutdown of homeland security agencies.

 “We’re advocating for full year funding as everyone else is…”

President Obama’s new budget – released last week – calls for reducing SAFER and AFG by $5M each, while the USFA would see a $2.5M cut.

 Finger said the fire service organizations will be lobbying the need for the funds with the Congressional Fire Service Caucus. But, their work at present is to get the Senate to pass the current bill.

 As the impasse continues, he added for departments that need the money it’s making a difficult situation worse.