The International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) has shared how Congress has taken a major step toward honoring fallen heroes.
The U.S. Senate passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) 9 October.
Included in the legislation was the Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act (Honor Act), priority legislation that would extend Public Safety Officer Benefits (PSOB) to the survivors of fire fighters who die from occupational cancer.
General President Edward Kelly spoke of the significance of this decision: “Every day, another firefighter dies from cancer they developed as a direct result of their job.
“It’s time to recognize the sacrifices these men and women make, and ensure their families don’t get left behind.”
“I want to thank those senators from both parties who stepped up to get the Honor Act included in the NDAA and strongly urge the House to keep it in the final version of the bill.”
Passing the Senate is a major step forward for the thousands of survivors who have been denied PSOB benefits after losing their loved one to cancer. It now moves to the U.S. House of Representatives for consideration.
The bill was added as an amendment to the NDAA. The Senate bill (S. 237) is led by Sens. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Kevin Cramer (R-ND).
Klobuchar shared: “Our firefighters put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe, often exposing themselves to carcinogens that can have lethal long-term effects.
“It’s unacceptable that firefighters who succumb to cancer from work-related exposure or become permanently and totally disabled don’t receive the same treatment as others who die in the line of duty.”
Despite cancer being the leading cause of death for firefighters, the PSOB program has denied thousands of survivors benefits they’re rightfully owed.
The IAFF has led the bipartisan fight to correct this injustice, including lobbying Congress alongside survivors to ensure lawmakers hear their stories.
Cramer added: “Their [fire fighters’] exposure to dangerous carcinogens happens on our behalf. When these heroes make the ultimate sacrifice, their families should not have to bear these burdens alone.
“I’m grateful my Senate colleagues passed this important legislation.”
The Honor Act has strong bipartisan support in both chambers of Congress. A companion bill in the House (H.R. 1269) currently has 152 cosponsors – 112 Democrats and 40 Republicans.
The International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) has shared how Congress has taken a major step toward honoring fallen heroes.
