Congress Votes to Re-Open the Federal Government
This week, the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives passed legislation (P.L. 119-37) to re-open the federal government, which President Trump signed into law. The new law will fund the federal government through January 30, 2026. Federal workers that were furloughed or had to work without pay will be reimbursed. In addition, the bill restored the jobs of federal workers that were laid off during the federal government shutdown. Also, P.L. 119-37 extended the urban, rural, and super-rural add-on payments for the emergency transport of Medicare patients through January 30, 2026. Fire-based EMS providers will be able to request a claim adjustment from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for eligible transports that occurred during the lapse in appropriations.
A fire department has until November 24, 2025, to accept Assistance to Firefighters Grant; Fire Prevention and Safety grant; and Staffing to Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant awards.