Instances of house and apartment fires are on our local news almost daily and we must do all we can to prevent these tragic situations.  Fire safety is critical to the safety of all Americans.  Congress must be sensitive to fire service legislation that benefits everyone, from our first responders to the families that they protect. 

As a member of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus (CFS), I know how important reliable and safe sprinkler systems are.  That’s why I am a cosponsor of H.R. 1742, the Fire Sprinkler Incentive Act. This bill would classify automatic fire sprinkler systems as 5-year property for purposes of depreciation.  The shorter period of depreciation will provide an incentive for building owners to retrofit their sprinkler systems. 

This simple, common sense approach will save lives. I look forward to working with the CFS to improve fire safety.