WASHINGTON, D.C. – As a Member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, Congressman Steve Austria (R – Beavercreek) voted this week in support of the Homeland Security Appropriations Bill, which included an amendment introduced by Austria to increase funding for the Fire Grant Program. 

The Homeland Security Appropriations bill provides funding for a number of programs that help ensure the safety of our nation including: $3.55 billion for First Responder Grant Programs, $5.4 billion for immigration and customs enforcement, $10 billion for customs and border protection and $382 million for cyber security.

Austria introduced an amendment to increase funding to the Fire Grant Program that had been cut.

“I was disappointed that this bill cut funding for the Fire Grant Program,” Austria stated. “This program is important to our fire fighters and our local communities, especially during these difficult economic times. In addition to getting our fire fighters the equipment they need, this program impacts local jobs and businesses that build fire trucks and provide parts in my district.”

Last year, $565 million was appropriated to the Fire Grant Program; however, President Obama proposed cutting the Fire Program by approximately 70 percent to $170 million. The Fire Grant Program helps local communities purchase essential fire equipment, from trucks to personal protective clothing to breathing apparatuses.

In an effort to restore funding, Congressman Austria joined Representatives Bill Pascrell (D- NJ), Jason Altmire (D- PA) and Peter King (R- NY) in offering a bipartisan amendment that would have increased the Fire Grant Program by $40 million.  However, the House Committee on House Rules reduced the amount to $10 million which passed the full House by a vote of 345 to 85.

“Although the $10 million in our amendment is an important first step in the right direction and a positive signal, the program’s funding should be increased, it is not enough,” Austria said.  “I will continue to work toward restoring full funding for this important program, which many of our local communities and fire fighters rely on.”

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