Congressional Fire Services Institute

CONSENSUS IS THE KEY TO OUR SUCCESS

“Legislation has been put on the fast track.” That’s not a term Congress often uses anymore. These days with partisan politics deeply imbedded in our political systems, it’s a small wonder that the wheels of government continue to spin.

We all know that Congress and the Obama Administration are being consumed by issues of monumental significance – the recession, health care legislation, the H1N1 epidemic and the war in Afghanistan. I certainly can’t recall during my lifetime when so many issues of major consequence faced our nation. It is an extraordinary time to be working in Washington, DC and seeing how our elected leaders are navigating their ways through these turbulent waters.

While the fast track has been closed for repairs, legislation still must find its way through Congress and onto the desk of the President including reauthorization of both the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program and the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response. Back in July, the House Science Committee conducted a hearing on the reauthorization of these two programs. Four organizations provided testimony on the merits of the programs – IAFF, IAFC, NVFC and NFPA – and also offered recommendations for improvements. The individual testimony was compelling and clearly articulated the positions of the respective organizations; but together, it revealed some differences regarding core elements of the programs. Hence, Congress encouraged the organizations to meet amongst themselves and develop consensus recommendations for the reauthorization of both programs.
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Caucus Recruitment is Vital

As you may know, last week marked the start of the 111th Congress. This will be an exciting year with a new administration and several new members in both the House and Senate. It will also be a year of opportunities as we will concentrate our efforts on introducing these newly elected officials to the important issues of the fire and emergency services. Encouraging members of Congress to join the Congressional Fire Services Caucus is among our top priorities. We look to you for support as we take on this initiative.

If your elected representatives are not members of the Fire Caucus, encourage them to join. They are more inclined to join if they hear from local fire officials. The fact that the Fire Caucus is the largest caucus in Congress with approximately 300 members speaks to the nonpartisan nature of the organization. When former Congressman Curt Weldon established the Fire Caucus in 1987, Congress lacked a forum where fire and emergency services issues could be discussed on a nonpartisan level. Weldon recognized that many members did not have an accurate understanding of the mission of local fire departments and the deficiencies in terms of training and equipment in many departments across America. This is why the Caucus was formed, and this is why it continues to play such an important role on Capitol Hill in addressing first responders issues.

1) Visit www.house.gov and www.senate.gov if you are uncertain of your member's name or mailing address. Otherwise, visit http://www.cfsi.org/govt_affairs/caucus_list.asp to see if your members are currently serving on the Fire Caucus. If not, write a letter encouraging them to join. A prepared form letter can be downloaded from our website by clicking here. Share the letter with other members of your department, as well as surrounding departments, and encourage them to send similar letters. If your members are on the caucus, send them a thank you letter encouraging them to be active on fire service issues during the 111th Congress. A draft letter is available by clicking here. To view both letters click here.

3) Hopefully you will have a successful meeting and your Member will be made aware of the issues that are most important to you. But remember, the process doesn't stop with one meeting. Stay in touch with your point of contact in the Congressional office. Send an email from time to time keeping them apprised on the issues you are concerned with and the events happening in your community. You become an important resource by keeping the lines of communication open.

4) Remind them of the Congressional Fire Services Institute, a nonpartisan policy institute designed to provide objective information to Congress about the critical issues being address on Capitol Hill that impact our nation's fire and emergency services. We track all the important fire service initiatives under consideration in Congress and work with the other major fire service organizations to build consensus on the issues that address the overall needs of our one million firefighters and rescue personnel.

And as we face these daunting economic challenges that will make it difficult for local departments to purchase equipment and training, please consider supporting the mission of CFSI. We will continue to serve as the lead organization in convincing Congress and the new Administration to fund the FIRE Act, a program that has provided over $4 billion in direct grants to local fire departments throughout the country. Unlike other fire organizations, we do not receive any government funding; instead we rely on the support of organizations and individuals. We recognize that the FIRE Act is the primary source of funding for departments to replace aging apparatus and equipment. That is why we will be dedicating our efforts this year to preserving funding for this program.

The best way to help CFSI would be to support CFSI. CFSI is a non-profit, non-partisan policy institute located on Capitol Hill. Our mission is to educate members of Congress on issues facing fire and emergency services. To show your support for our organization there are a couple of things you can do. The first would be to sign up for the newly created Associates Club and the second would be stopping by our online store and purchasing CFSI branded merchandise.