IAFF Sets Top Legislative Priorities for the 119th Congress
As the 119th Congress begins its new legislative session, the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) is prioritizing critical bills that will impact fire fighters, emergency medical workers, and their families. With the 2025 Alfred K. Whitehead Legislative Conference set to take place in Washington, D.C., IAFF members are mobilizing to push for key legislative victories that will protect fire fighters' rights, health, and safety.
The IAFF has a history of legislative success, including recent wins like the Social Security Fairness Act and the Fire Grants and Safety Act. Now, with a new Congress in place, the union is focused on advancing the following priorities:
Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act (H.R. 1269 / S. 237)
This bipartisan bill ensures that fire fighter cancer deaths are recognized as line-of-duty deaths under the Public Safety Officer Benefits (PSOB) program, extending death, educational, and other benefits to surviving family members. Sponsored by Sens. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Kevin Cramer (R-ND), and Reps. Carlos Gimenez (R-FL) and Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA), this legislation seeks to honor and support the families of fire fighters who succumb to occupational cancer.
Public Safety Officer Free Speech Act (H.R. 1443)
Fire fighters should not face disciplinary action for voicing concerns about staffing, equipment, or workplace safety. This bipartisan bill, sponsored by Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-MO) and Reps. Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ) and Steve Cohen (D-TN), reaffirms fire fighters' First Amendment rights, ensuring they can express job-related concerns without fear of retaliation.
PFAS Alternatives Act (Pending Reintroduction)
Fire fighters face daily exposure to hazardous chemicals, including PFAS in their protective gear. Sponsored by Reps. Debbie Dingell (D-MI) and Sam Graves (R-MO), this legislation would secure funding for the development of safer, PFAS-free protective gear, reducing the risk of occupational cancer among fire fighters.
Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act (Pending Reintroduction)
Union rights are essential to fire fighter safety. This bipartisan bill, sponsored by Reps. Nikki Budzinski (D-IL) and Pete Stauber (R-MI), along with Sens. John Hickenlooper (D-CO) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH), aims to protect fire fighters' collective bargaining rights, ensuring fair wages, benefits, and working conditions.
9/11 Responders and Survivor Health Funding Correction Act (H.R. 1410)
The World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) provides essential health benefits to 9/11 first responders and survivors, but its funding is set to run out by 2029. This legislation, backed by Reps. Andrew Garbarino (R-NY) and Jerry Nadler (D-NY), along with Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), seeks to extend WTCHP funding through 2090, ensuring continued support for those affected by 9/11-related illnesses.
Wildfire Preparedness and Response Act (Pending Introduction)
Wildfires are becoming an increasing threat across the U.S., and fire fighters need better resources to combat them. Sponsored by Rep. Josh Harder (D-CA) and Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-NM), this bill focuses on improving fire fighter training, equipment, and coordination between local, state, and federal agencies to enhance wildfire response efforts.
Federal Firefighters Families First Act (H.R. 759)
Federal fire fighters work grueling 72-hour weeks, affecting their health and family life. This bipartisan bill, sponsored by Reps. Gerry Connolly (D-VA) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), seeks to cap federal fire fighter workweeks at 60 hours and include full overtime earnings in their retirement calculations.
These legislative priorities reflect the IAFF’s ongoing commitment to protecting fire fighters' rights, improving their working conditions, and ensuring they receive the recognition and benefits they deserve.
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