DHS Releases Notice of Funding Opportunity for Select Grant Programs
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security released Notices of Funding Opportunity and opened the application periods for the following grant programs:
Applications are due on August 15.
Labor/HHS Appropriations Bill Passed by Committee
On July 31, the Senate Appropriations Committee passed the Fiscal year (FY) 2026 Labor/HHS and Education appropriations bill out of committee by a vote of 26-3. The bill contains numerous provisions on firefighter safety and EMS care. The bill rejected numerous proposed cuts by President Trump to parts of the Department of Health and Human Services.
| Program |
FY25 Appropriations |
FY26 Appropriations |
| Centers for Disease Control and Prevention |
| National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (all programs) |
$362,800,000 |
$363,800,000 |
| National Firefighter Registry for Cancer |
$5,500,000 |
$6,500,000 |
| Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Program |
$3,500,000 |
$3,500,000 |
| National Personal Protective Technology Lab |
$21,825,000 |
$21,825,000 |
| Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) |
| 988 Lifeline |
$602,000,000 |
$534,618,000 |
| SIREN Grant Program |
$11,500,000 |
$13,500,000 |
| Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) |
| Trauma Care Readiness and Coordination |
$3,500,000 |
$4,000,000 |
| Maternal and Child Health Service |
| Emergency Medical Services for Children |
$24,334,000 |
$24,334,000 |
In addition to the appropriations, the committee report urges NIOSH to work with NIST and turnout gear manufacturers to reduce PFAS exposure in turnout gear. The report highlights the committee’s concern over the high cancer rates in the fire service and their commitment towards reducing those rates. The World Trade Center Health Program will remain funded at current levels and is not included in the bill because it is mandatory spending.
SAMHSA is directed to provide a report to the committee on first responder mental health and efforts that should be supported to improve mental health in the fire service. In addition to the increased funding for the SIREN grant program, $34 million is appropriated for first responder training for substance abuse and mental health patients.
The committee asks ASPR to work with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Office of EMS to create a national pilot program of grants to support the recruitment of EMTs and paramedics in underserved, rural, and tribal areas. These programs would come from the general grant fund appropriated to ASPR.
Congress begins August Recess
The House of Representatives remained in recess this week. The Senate may begin its August Recess this week. With lawmakers back in the district, the recess is an opportune time for fire service leaders to meet with their Representatives and Senators. The Government Relations and Policy Department maintains the Legislative Hot Sheet that can help fire service leaders with discussions on current issues in the fire service.
View Hot Sheet