Fairfax, Va. – The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) today applauded House passage of the PREPARE Act (H.R. 3583). The bipartisan legislation includes a number of provisions to improve preparedness efforts at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Sponsored by Representatives Martha McSally (R-Ariz.), Michael McCaul (R-Texas), Dan Donovan (R-N.Y.), and Donald Payne, Jr. (D-N.J.), the legislation would:
- allow federal State Homeland Security Grant Program (SHSGP) and Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI) funds to be used for medical preparedness for developing pharmaceutical stockpiles and med-kits for first responders, their families, immediate victims, and vulnerable populations
- specify the role of DHS’ Office of Emergency Communications and prevent it from being reorganized without Congressional authorization
- prevent the consolidation of the SHSGP, UASI and other homeland security grants into one state-based National Preparedness Grant program
- authorize the establishment of a two-year pilot program for voluntary anthrax vaccines for first responders
About the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC)
The IAFC represents the leadership of firefighters and emergency responders worldwide. IAFC members are the world's leading experts in firefighting, emergency medical services, terrorism response, hazardous materials spills, natural disasters, search and rescue, and public safety legislation. Since 1873, the IAFC has provided a forum for its members to exchange ideas, develop professionally and uncover the latest products and services available to first responders.
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