United States Fire Administration Reauthorization Act of 2008 - (Sec. 3) Amends the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974 to authorize appropriations for the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) for FY2009-FY2012.
(Sec. 4) Authorizes the Superintendent of the National Academy for Fire Prevention and Control to include within fire service personnel training: (1) response, tactics, and strategies for dealing with non-terrorist-caused national catastrophes and incidents that involve weapons of mass destruction; (2) applying new technology and developing strategies and tactics for fighting wildfires; (3) response, tactics, and strategies for fighting large-scale or multiple fires in a general area that cross jurisdictional boundaries, fires occurring at the wildland-urban interface, and fires involving hazardous materials; and (4) advanced emergency medical services (EMS) training.
Requires the Administrator of USFA to: (1) include in triennial reports information about changes made to the National Fire Academy curriculum; and (2) consolidate and integrate into that curriculum a course on incident command training for fire service personnel for fighting fires at U.S. ports and in marine environments, including fires on the water and aboard vessels. Provides that such course shall not relate to border and port security.
Authorizes the Administrator to contract with one or more nationally recognized organizations that have established on-site training programs that prepare fire service personnel to meet national voluntary consensus standards for fire service personnel and that facilitate delivery of education and training programs, provided that such an organization: (1) provides training that leads to certification by a program accredited by a nationally recognized accreditation organization; or (2) provides training under such a program pursuant to a cooperative agreement with a federal agency. Limits the amounts that may be expended by the Administrator to carry out this provision to 4% of the amount authorized to be appropriated in that fiscal year to facilitate the delivery of education and training programs directly to fire service personnel.
(Sec. 5) Directs the Administrator to use specified funds during FY2009-FY2011 to update the National Fire Incident Reporting system to an Internet-based, real-time incident reporting database.
(Sec. 6) Authorizes the Administrator to assist the nation's fire services for activities and equipment to improve fire prevention and control in the wildland-urban interface. Directs the Administrator to make available to the public information regarding USFA funded activities, to advance new knowledge and best practices in firefighting through a regularly updated Internet database.
(Sec. 7) Requires the Administrator to: (1) promote adoption by fire services of voluntary national consensus standards for firefighter health and safety; and (2) develop and provide information and training to relevant federal departments on the importance of clearing biomass in wildland areas of federal lands to promote firefighter safety.
(Sec. 8) Directs the Administrator to provide liaison to assure coordination of fire service-based EMS programs. Authorizes the Administrator to conduct studies of the operations and management aspects of fire service-based EMS and coordination between EMS and fire services, including the optimum protocols for on-scene care, the allocation of resources, and the training requirements for fire service-based EMS.
(Sec. 10) Expresses support for USFA recommendations regarding the adoption of fire sprinklers in commercial buildings and educational programs to raise awareness of the importance of installing fire sprinklers in residential buildings.
[Congressional Bills 110th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 4847 Introduced in House (IH)]
110th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 4847
To reauthorize the United States Fire Administration, and for other
purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
December 19, 2007
Mr. Mitchell (for himself and Mr. Gingrey) introduced the following
bill; which was referred to the Committee on Science and Technology
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To reauthorize the United States Fire Administration, and for other
purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``United States Fire Administration
Reauthorization Act of 2007''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds the following:
(1) The loss of life due to fire has dropped significantly
over the last 25 years in the United States. However, the
United States still has one of the highest fire death rates in
the industrialized world. In 2005 the National Fire Protection
Association reported 3,675 civilian fire deaths, 17,925
civilian fire injuries, and $10,672,000,000 in direct losses
due to fire.
(2) Every year, over 100 firefighters die in the line of
duty. The United States Fire Administration should continue its
leadership to help local fire agencies dramatically reduce
these fatalities.
(3) Members of the fire service community should continue
to work together to further the promotion of voluntary
consensus standards that increase firefighter safety.
(4) The United States Fire Administration provides crucial
support to the Nation's 30,300 fire departments through
training, emergency incident data collection, fire awareness
and education, and support of research and development
activities for fire prevention, control, and suppression
technologies.
(5) The collection of data on fire and other emergency
incidents is a vital tool both for policy makers and emergency
responders to identify and develop responses to emerging
hazards. Improving the United States Fire Administration's data
collection capabilities is essential for accurately tracking
and responding to the magnitude and nature of the Nation's fire
problem.
(6) The research and development performed by the National
Institute of Standards and Technology, the United States Fire
Administration, other government agencies, and non-governmental
organizations on fire technologies, techniques, and tools
advance the capabilities of the Nation's fire service to
suppress and prevent fires.
(7) The United States Fire Administration is one of the
strongest voices representing the Nation's fire service within
the Federal Government, and, as such, it should have a
prominent place within the Department of Homeland Security.
SEC. 3. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS FOR UNITED STATES FIRE
ADMINISTRATION.
Section 17(g)(1) of the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of
1974 (15 U.S.C. 2216(g)(1)) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (C), by striking the ``and'' after the
semicolon;
(2) in subparagraph (D), by striking the period at the end
and inserting a semicolon; and
(3) by adding after subparagraph (D) the following new
subparagraphs:
``(E) $70,000,000 for fiscal year 2009, of which
$2,520,000 shall be used to carry out section 8;
``(F) $72,100,000 for fiscal year 2010, of which
$2,595,600 shall be used to carry out section 8;
``(G) $74,263,000 for fiscal year 2011, of which
$2,673,468 shall be used to carry out section 8; and
``(H) $76,490,890 for fiscal year 2012, of which
$2,753,672 shall be used to carry out section 8.''.
SEC. 4. NATIONAL FIRE ACADEMY TRAINING PROGRAM MODIFICATIONS AND
REPORTS.
(a) Amendments to Fire Academy Training.--Section 7(d)(1) of the
Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974 (15 U.S.C. 2206(d)(1))
is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (H), by striking ``terrorist-caused
national catastrophes'' and inserting ``terrorist-caused and
other national catastrophes'';
(2) in subparagraph (K), by striking ``forest'' and
inserting ``wildland'';
(3) in subparagraph (M), by striking ``response tactics
and'' and inserting ``response, tactics, and'';
(4) by redesignating subparagraphs (I) through (N) as
subparagraphs (M) through (R), respectively; and
(5) by inserting after subparagraph (H) the following new
subparagraphs:
``(I) response, tactics, and strategies for
fighting large-scale fires or multiple fires in a
general area that cross jurisdictional boundaries;
``(J) response, tactics, and strategies for
fighting fires occurring at the wildland-urban
interface;
``(K) response, tactics, and strategies for
fighting fires involving hazardous materials;
``(L) advanced emergency medical services
training;''.
(b) Triennial Reports.--Section 7 of such Act (15 U.S.C. 2206) is
amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(m) Triennial Report.--In the first annual report filed pursuant
to section 16 for which the deadline for filing is after the expiration
of the 18-month period that begins on the date of the enactment of the
United States Fire Administration Reauthorization Act of 2007, and in
every third annual report thereafter, the Administrator shall include
information about changes made to the National Fire Academy curriculum,
including--
``(1) the basis for such changes, including a review of the
incorporation of lessons learned by emergency response
personnel after significant emergency events and emergency
preparedness exercises performed under the National Exercise
Program; and
``(2) the desired training outcome of all such changes.''.
(c) Authorizing the Administrator To Enter Into Contracts To
Provide On-Site Training Through Certain Accredited Organizations.--
Section 7(f) of such Act (15 U.S.C. 2206) is amended to read as
follows:
``(f) Assistance.--
``(1) In general.--The Administrator is authorized to
provide assistance to State and local fire service training
programs through grants, contracts, or otherwise.
``(2) Authorization to enter into contracts to provide on-
site training through certain accredited organizations.--
``(A) In general.--The Administrator is authorized
to enter into a contract with a nationally recognized
organization that has established on-site training
programs that comply with national consensus standards
for fire service personnel to facilitate the delivery
of the education and training programs outlined in
subsection (d)(1) directly to fire service personnel.
``(B) Restrictions.--The Administrator shall not
enter into a contract with such organization unless
such organization--
``(i) operates a fire service training
program accredited by a nationally recognized
accreditation organization experienced with
accrediting such training; and
``(ii) at the time the Administrator enters
into the contract, provides training under such
a program to a Federal agency under a
cooperative agreement with such agency.
``(3) Restriction on use of funds.--The amounts expended by
the Administrator to carry out this subsection in any fiscal
year shall not exceed 4 per centum of the amount authorized to
be appropriated in such fiscal year pursuant to section 17 of
this Act.''.
SEC. 5. NATIONAL FIRE INCIDENT REPORTING SYSTEM UPGRADES.
(a) Incident Reporting System Database.--Section 9 of the Federal
Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974 (15 U.S.C. 2208) is amended by
adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(d) National Fire Incident Reporting System Update.--Of the
amounts made available pursuant to subparagraphs (E), (F), and (G) of
section 17(g)(1), the Administrator shall use no more than an aggregate
amount of $5,000,000 during the 3-year period consisting of fiscal
years 2009, 2010, and 2011 to carry out activities necessary to update
the National Fire Incident Reporting system to an Internet-based, real-
time incident reporting database, including capital investment,
contractor engagement, and user education.''.
(b) Technical Correction.--Section 9(b)(2) of such Act (15 U.S.C.
2208(b)(2)) is amended by striking ``assist State,'' and inserting
``assist Federal, State,''.
SEC. 6. FIRE TECHNOLOGY ASSISTANCE AND RESEARCH DISSEMINATION.
(a) Assistance to Fire Services for Fire Prevention and Control in
Wildland-Urban Interface.--Section 8(d) of the Federal Fire Prevention
and Control Act of 1974 (15 U.S.C. 2207(d)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``rural assistance'' in the heading and
inserting ``rural and wildland-urban interface assistance'';
(2) by striking ``The Administrator'' and inserting ``(1)
The Administrator''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(2) The Administrator is authorized to assist the Nation's fire
services, directly or through contracts, grants, or other forms of
assistance, to sponsor and encourage research into approaches,
techniques, systems, and equipment to improve fire prevention and
control in the wildland-urban interface.''.
(b) Technology Research Dissemination.--Section 8 of such Act (15
U.S.C. 2207) is amended by adding at the end the following new
subsection:
``(h) Research Dissemination.--Beginning 1 year after the date of
the enactment of the United States Fire Administration Reauthorization
Act of 2007, the Administrator, in collaboration with the relevant
departments and agencies of the Federal Government, shall make
available to the public information about all ongoing and planned fire-
related research funded by the Administration during fiscal year 2007
and each fiscal year thereafter, as well as the results generated from
such research, through a regularly updated Internet-based database.''.
SEC. 7. ENCOURAGING ADOPTION OF STANDARDS FOR FIREFIGHTER HEALTH AND
SAFETY.
The Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974 (15 U.S.C. 2201
et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following new section:
``SEC. 37. ENCOURAGING ADOPTION OF STANDARDS FOR FIREFIGHTER HEALTH AND
SAFETY.
``The Administrator shall promote adoption by fire services of
voluntary national consensus standards for firefighter health and
safety, including such standards for firefighter operations, training,
staffing, and fitness, by educating fire services about such standards,
encouraging the adoption at all levels of government of such standards,
and making recommendations on other ways in which the Federal
government can promote the adoption of such standards by fire
services.''.
SEC. 8. COORDINATION REGARDING FIRE SERVICE-BASED EMERGENCY MEDICAL
SERVICES.
Section 21(e) of the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of
1974 (15 U.S.C. 2218(e)) is amended to read as follows:
``(e) Coordination.--
``(1) In general.--To the extent practicable, the
Administrator shall utilize existing programs, data,
information, and facilities already available in other Federal
Government departments and agencies and, where appropriate,
existing research organizations, centers, and universities.
``(2) Coordination of fire prevention and control
programs.--The Administrator shall provide liaison at an
appropriate organizational level to assure coordination of the
Administrator's activities with State and local government
agencies, departments, bureaus, or offices concerned with any
matter related to programs of fire prevention and control with
private and other Federal organizations and offices so
concerned.
``(3) Coordination of fire service-based emergency medical
services programs.--The Administrator shall provide liaison at
an appropriate organizational level to assure coordination of
the Administrator's activities with State and local government
agencies, departments, bureaus, or offices concerned with
programs related to emergency medical services provided by fire
service-based systems with private and other Federal
organizations and offices so concerned.''.
SEC. 9. DEFINITIONS.
Section 4 of the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974
(15 U.S.C. 2203) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (3), by striking ``Administration'' and
inserting ``Administration, who is the Assistant Administrator
of the Federal Emergency Management Agency'';
(2) in paragraph (7), by striking the ``and'' after the
semicolon;
(3) in paragraph (8), by striking the period at the end and
inserting ``; and'';
(4) by redesignating paragraphs (6), (7), and (8) as
paragraphs (7), (8), and (9), respectively;
(5) by inserting after paragraph (5) the following new
paragraph:
``(6) `hazardous materials' has the meaning given such term
in section 5102(2) of title 49, United States Code;''; and
(6) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(10) `wildland-urban interface' has the meaning given
such term in section 101(16) of the Healthy Forests Restoration
Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6511(16)).''.
<all>
Rule H. Res. 1071 passed House.
Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 1071. (consideration: CR H1979-1991)
Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 4847 with 1 hour of general debate. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit with or without instructions. Measure will be considered read. A specified amendment is in order. All points of order against consideration of the bill are waived except those arising under clause 9 or 10 of rule XXI. In lieu of the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Science and Technology now printed in the bill, it shall be in order to consider as an original bill for the purpose of amendment under the five-minute rule the amendment in the nature of a substitute printed in part A of the report of the committee Rules accompanying this resolution.
House resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union pursuant to H. Res. 1071 and Rule XVIII.
The Speaker designated the Honorable Eni F.H. Faleomavaega to act as Chairman of the Committee.
GENERAL DEBATE - The Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour of general debate on H.R. 4847.
DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 1071, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Pascrell amendment.
DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 1071, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Sali amendment.
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DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 1071, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Langevin amendment.
The House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report H.R. 4847.
The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule. (consideration: CR H1989)
The House adopted the amendment in the nature of a substitute as agreed to by the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union. (text: CR H1985-1986)
Mrs. McMorris Rodgers moved to recommit with instructions toScience and Technology. (consideration: CR H1989-1991; text: CR H1989)
DEBATE - The House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the McMorris Rodgers motion to recommit with instructions. The instructions contained in the motion seek to require the bill to be reported back to the House with an amendment inserting a new paragraph stating that State of local government that provide fire service training for fire fighters, or any rescue personnel shall not be liable for any act or omission in connection with providing such service or advice that results in harm to an infant or child.
The previous question on the motion to recommit with instructions was ordered without objection. (consideration: CR H1990)
On motion to recommit with instructions Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 205 - 209 (Roll no. 159). (consideration: CR H1990-1991)
Roll Call #159 (House)Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 412 - 0 (Roll no. 160).
Roll Call #160 (House)On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 412 - 0 (Roll no. 160).
Roll Call #160 (House)Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.