[House Report 110-559]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
110th Congress Report
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
2d Session 110-559
======================================================================
UNITED STATES FIRE ADMINISTRATION REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2008
_______
March 31, 2008.--Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the
State of the Union and ordered to be printed
_______
Mr. Gordon of Tennessee, from the Committee on Science and Technology,
submitted the following
R E P O R T
[To accompany H.R. 4847]
[Including cost estimate of the Congressional Budget Office]
The Committee on Science and Technology, to whom was referred
the bill (H.R. 4847) to reauthorize the United States Fire
Administration, and for other purposes, having considered the
same, report favorably thereon with an amendment and recommend
that the bill as amended do pass.
CONTENTS
Page
I. Amendment.......................................................2
II. Purpose of the Bill.............................................5
III. Background and Need for the Legislation.........................5
IV. Hearing Summary.................................................6
V. Committee Actions...............................................6
VI. Summary of Major Provisions of the Bill.........................7
VII. Section-by-Section Analysis.....................................8
VIII. Committee Views.................................................9
IX. Cost Estimate..................................................11
X. Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate......................11
XI. Compliance With Public Law 104-4...............................13
XII. Committee Oversight Findings and Recommendations...............13
XIII. Statement on General Performance Goals and Objectives..........13
XIV. Constitutional Authority Statement.............................13
XV. Federal Advisory Committee Statement...........................13
XVI. Congressional Accountability Act...............................13
XVII. Earmark Identification.........................................13
XVIII.Statement on Preemption of State, Local, or Tribal Law.........13
XIX. Changes in Existing Law Made by the Bill, as Reported..........13
XX. Committee Recommendations......................................18
XXI. Proceedings of the Subcommittee Markup.........................19
XXII. Proceedings of the Full Committee Markup.......................43
XXIII.Exchange of Letters............................................77
I. Amendment
The amendment is as follows:
Strike all after the enacting clause and insert the
following:
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``United States Fire Administration
Reauthorization Act of 2008''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds the following:
(1) The loss of life due to fire has dropped significantly
over the last 25 years in the United States. However, the
United States still has one of the highest fire death rates in
the industrialized world. In 2005 the National Fire Protection
Association reported 3,675 civilian fire deaths, 17,925
civilian fire injuries, and $10,672,000,000 in direct losses
due to fire.
(2) Every year, over 100 firefighters die in the line of
duty. The United States Fire Administration should continue its
leadership to help local fire agencies dramatically reduce
these fatalities.
(3) Members of the fire service community should continue to
work together to further the promotion of national voluntary
consensus standards that increase firefighter safety.
(4) The United States Fire Administration provides crucial
support to the Nation's 30,300 fire departments through
training, emergency incident data collection, fire awareness
and education, and support of research and development
activities for fire prevention, control, and suppression
technologies.
(5) The collection of data on fire and other emergency
incidents is a vital tool both for policy makers and emergency
responders to identify and develop responses to emerging
hazards. Improving the United States Fire Administration's data
collection capabilities is essential for accurately tracking
and responding to the magnitude and nature of the Nation's fire
problem.
(6) The research and development performed by the National
Institute of Standards and Technology, the United States Fire
Administration, other government agencies, and non-governmental
organizations on fire technologies, techniques, and tools
advance the capabilities of the Nation's fire service to
suppress and prevent fires.
(7) The United States Fire Administration is one of the
strongest voices representing the Nation's fire service within
the Federal Government, and, as such, it should have a
prominent place within the Department of Homeland Security.
SEC. 3. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS FOR UNITED STATES FIRE
ADMINISTRATION.
Section 17(g)(1) of the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of
1974 (15 U.S.C. 2216(g)(1)) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``and'' after the
semicolon;
(2) in subparagraph (D), by striking the period at the end
and inserting a semicolon; and
(3) by adding after subparagraph (D) the following new
subparagraphs:
``(E) $70,000,000 for fiscal year 2009, of which
$2,520,000 shall be used to carry out section 8;
``(F) $72,100,000 for fiscal year 2010, of which
$2,595,600 shall be used to carry out section 8;
``(G) $74,263,000 for fiscal year 2011, of which
$2,673,468 shall be used to carry out section 8; and
``(H) $76,490,890 for fiscal year 2012, of which
$2,753,672 shall be used to carry out section 8.''.
SEC. 4. NATIONAL FIRE ACADEMY TRAINING PROGRAM MODIFICATIONS AND
REPORTS.
(a) Amendments to Fire Academy Training.--Section 7(d)(1) of the
Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974 (15 U.S.C. 2206(d)(1))
is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (H), by striking ``terrorist-caused
national catastrophes'' and inserting ``terrorist-caused and
other national catastrophes'';
(2) in subparagraph (K), by striking ``forest'' and inserting
``wildland'';
(3) in subparagraph (M), by striking ``response tactics and''
and inserting ``response, tactics, and'';
(4) by redesignating subparagraphs (I) through (N) as
subparagraphs (M) through (R), respectively; and
(5) by inserting after subparagraph (H) the following new
subparagraphs:
``(I) response, tactics, and strategies for fighting
large-scale fires or multiple fires in a general area
that cross jurisdictional boundaries;
``(J) response, tactics, and strategies for fighting
fires occurring at the wildland-urban interface;
``(K) response, tactics, and strategies for fighting
fires involving hazardous materials;
``(L) advanced emergency medical services
training;''.
(b) Triennial Reports.--Section 7 of such Act (15 U.S.C. 2206) is
amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(m) Triennial Report.--In the first annual report filed pursuant to
section 16 for which the deadline for filing is after the expiration of
the 18-month period that begins on the date of the enactment of the
United States Fire Administration Reauthorization Act of 2008, and in
every third annual report thereafter, the Administrator shall include
information about changes made to the Academy curriculum, including--
``(1) the basis for such changes, including a review of the
incorporation of lessons learned by emergency response
personnel after significant emergency events and emergency
preparedness exercises performed under the National Exercise
Program; and
``(2) the desired training outcome of all such changes.''.
(c) Authorizing the Administrator To Enter Into Contracts To Provide
On-Site Training Through Certain Accredited Organizations.--Section
7(f) of such Act (15 U.S.C. 2206(f)) is amended to read as follows:
``(f) Assistance.--
``(1) In general.--The Administrator is authorized to provide
assistance to State and local fire service training programs
through grants, contracts, or otherwise.
``(2) Authorization to enter into contracts to provide on-
site training through certain accredited organizations.--
``(A) In general.--The Administrator is authorized to
enter into a contract with one or more nationally
recognized organizations that have established on-site
training programs that comply with national voluntary
consensus standards for fire service personnel to
facilitate the delivery of the education and training
programs outlined in subsection (d)(1) directly to fire
service personnel.
``(B) Restrictions.--The Administrator shall not
enter into a contract with such organization unless
such organization--
``(i) operates a fire service training
program accredited by a nationally recognized
accreditation organization experienced with
accrediting such training; or
``(ii) at the time the Administrator enters
into the contract, provides training under such
a program under a cooperative agreement with a
Federal agency.
``(3) Restriction on use of funds.--The amounts expended by
the Administrator to carry out this subsection in any fiscal
year shall not exceed 4 per centum of the amount authorized to
be appropriated in such fiscal year pursuant to section 17 of
this Act.''.
(d) Incident Command Training Course for Fires at Ports Required.--
Not later than 2 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the
Administrator of the United States Fire Administration, in consultation
with the Superintendent of the National Academy for Fire Prevention and
Control, shall consolidate and integrate into the current Academy
curriculum a course on incident command training for fire service
personnel for fighting fires at United States ports and in marine
environments, including fires on the water and aboard vessels.
SEC. 5. NATIONAL FIRE INCIDENT REPORTING SYSTEM UPGRADES.
(a) Incident Reporting System Database.--Section 9 of the Federal
Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974 (15 U.S.C. 2208) is amended by
adding at the end the following new subsection:
``(d) National Fire Incident Reporting System Update.--Of the amounts
made available pursuant to subparagraphs (E), (F), and (G) of section
17(g)(1), the Administrator shall use no more than an aggregate amount
of $5,000,000 during the 3-year period consisting of fiscal years 2009,
2010, and 2011 to carry out activities necessary to update the National
Fire Incident Reporting system to an Internet-based, real-time incident
reporting database, including capital investment, contractor
engagement, and user education.''.
(b) Technical Correction.--Section 9(b)(2) of such Act (15 U.S.C.
2208(b)(2)) is amended by striking ``assist State,'' and inserting
``assist Federal, State,''.
SEC. 6. FIRE TECHNOLOGY ASSISTANCE AND RESEARCH DISSEMINATION.
(a) Assistance to Fire Services for Fire Prevention and Control in
Wildland-Urban Interface.--Section 8(d) of the Federal Fire Prevention
and Control Act of 1974 (15 U.S.C. 2207(d)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``Rural Assistance'' in the heading and
inserting ``Rural and Wildland-Urban Interface Assistance'';
(2) by striking ``The Administrator'' and inserting ``(1) The
Administrator''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(2) The Administrator is authorized to assist the Nation's fire
services, directly or through contracts, grants, or other forms of
assistance, to sponsor and encourage research into approaches,
techniques, systems, and equipment to improve fire prevention and
control in the wildland-urban interface.''.
(b) Technology Research Dissemination.--Section 8 of such Act (15
U.S.C. 2207) is amended by adding at the end the following new
subsection:
``(h) Research Dissemination.--Beginning 1 year after the date of the
enactment of the United States Fire Administration Reauthorization Act
of 2008, the Administrator, in collaboration with the relevant
departments and agencies of the Federal Government, shall make
available to the public information about all ongoing and planned fire-
related research funded by the Administration during fiscal year 2007
and each fiscal year thereafter, as well as the results generated from
such research, through a regularly updated Internet-based database.''.
SEC. 7. ENCOURAGING ADOPTION OF STANDARDS FOR FIREFIGHTER HEALTH AND
SAFETY.
The Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974 (15 U.S.C. 2201
et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following new section:
``SEC. 37. ENCOURAGING ADOPTION OF STANDARDS FOR FIREFIGHTER HEALTH AND
SAFETY.
``The Administrator shall promote adoption by fire services of
national voluntary consensus standards for firefighter health and
safety, including such standards for firefighter operations, training,
staffing, and fitness, by educating fire services about such standards,
encouraging the adoption at all levels of government of such standards,
and making recommendations on other ways in which the Federal
government can promote the adoption of such standards by fire
services.''.
SEC. 8. COORDINATION REGARDING FIRE SERVICE-BASED EMERGENCY MEDICAL
SERVICES.
(a) In General.--Section 21(e) of the Federal Fire Prevention and
Control Act of 1974 (15 U.S.C. 2218(e)) is amended to read as follows:
``(e) Coordination.--
``(1) In general.--To the extent practicable, the
Administrator shall utilize existing programs, data,
information, and facilities already available in other Federal
Government departments and agencies and, where appropriate,
existing research organizations, centers, and universities.
``(2) Coordination of fire prevention and control programs.--
The Administrator shall provide liaison at an appropriate
organizational level to assure coordination of the
Administrator's activities with State and local government
agencies, departments, bureaus, or offices concerned with any
matter related to programs of fire prevention and control with
private and other Federal organizations and offices so
concerned.
``(3) Coordination of fire service-based emergency medical
services programs.--The Administrator shall provide liaison at
an appropriate organizational level to assure coordination of
the Administrator's activities with State and local government
agencies, departments, bureaus, or offices concerned with
programs related to emergency medical services provided by fire
service-based systems with private and other Federal
organizations and offices so concerned.''.
(b) Fire Service-Based Emergency Medical Services Best Practices.--
Section 8(c) of such Act (15 U.S.C. 2207(c)) is amended--
(1) by redesignating paragraphs (2) through (4) as paragraphs
(3) through (5), respectively; and
(2) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following new
paragraph:
``(2) The Administrator is authorized to conduct, directly or through
contracts or grants, studies of the operations and management aspects
of fire service-based emergency medical services and coordination
between emergency medical services and fire services. Such studies may
include the optimum protocols for on-scene care, the allocation of
resources, and the training requirements for fire service-based
emergency medical services.''.
SEC. 9. DEFINITIONS.
Section 4 of the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974 (15
U.S.C. 2203) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (3), by striking ``Administration'' and
inserting ``Administration, who is the Assistant Administrator
of the Federal Emergency Management Agency'';
(2) in paragraph (7), by striking ``and'' after the
semicolon;
(3) in paragraph (8), by striking the period at the end and
inserting ``; and'';
(4) by redesignating paragraphs (6), (7), and (8) as
paragraphs (7), (8), and (9), respectively;
(5) by inserting after paragraph (5) the following new
paragraph:
``(6) `hazardous materials' has the meaning given such term
in section 5102(2) of title 49, United States Code;''; and
(6) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
``(10) `wildland-urban interface' has the meaning given such
term in section 101(16) of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act
of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6511(16)).''.
II. Purpose of the Bill
The purpose of this bill is to authorize appropriations for
fiscal years 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012 for the U.S. Fire
Administration (USFA), and to authorize USFA's activities in
training, fire education and awareness, data collection,
research, and standards development and promotion.
III. Background and Need for the Legislation
USFA is housed within the Federal Emergency Management
Administration (FEMA) at the Department of Homeland Security
(DHS). It was created by the Federal Fire Prevention and
Control Act of 1974 (P.L. 93-498). The agency's mission is to
reduce the incidence of fire and fire-related deaths, injuries,
and property damage in the U.S., and to better prepare the
Nation's fire service as primary local emergency responders. To
accomplish its mission, USFA engages in the following core
activities: public fire education and awareness programs;
firefighter and emergency responder training delivery and
curriculum development; fire-focused applied research and
technology development; data collection through the National
Fire Data Center; and logistical and programmatic support for
DHS grants to firefighters under the Assistance to Firefighters
Grants (AFG) program and the Staffing for Adequate Fire and
Emergency Response (SAFER) grants program.
USFA's stated goal upon its establishment in 1974 was to
reduce fire-related fatalities in the Nation by half--bringing
the number to approximately six thousand per year within a
generation. The agency met this goal by 1988, and the number of
deaths continues to decline. However, according to the National
Fire Protection Association (NFPA) the U.S. still has one of
the highest rates of death, injury, and property loss due to
fire among all industrialized nations. NFPA reports that in
2006 there were 3,245 civilian fire deaths, 16,400 fire
injuries, and an estimated $11.307 billion in direct property
losses due to fire. They estimate that the fire fatality rate
is 14.8 per million. USFA also reports that every year an
average of 100 firefighters die in the line of duty. The agency
works to reduce these statistics, as well as help firefighters
prepare for the growing number of hazards and emergencies
calling for firefighter response, such as natural disasters,
hazardous materials events, and terrorist attacks.
IV. Hearing Summary
On Tuesday, October 2, 2007, the Technology and Innovation
Subcommittee of the House Committee on Science and Technology
held a hearing to examine U.S. Fire Administration programs and
activities. Witnesses testified on the needs and priorities of
the Nations fire service regarding the services and programs
provided by USFA.
The Subcommittee heard testimony from Chief Gregory Cade,
the U.S. Fire Administrator; Dr. Shyam Sunder, the director of
the National Institute of Standards and Technology Building and
Fire Research Lab; Chief Steven P. Westermann, President and
Chief Fire Officer for the International Association of Fire
Chiefs; Captain Robert Livingston of the Salem, Orgegon Fire
Department, testifying on behalf of the International
Association of Fire Fighters; Chief Gordon Henderson, past
president of the Georgia State Firefighters' Association,
testifying on behalf of the National Volunteer Fire Council;
and Dr. John R. Hall, the Assistant Vice President for Fire
Analysis and Research at the National Fire Protection
Association (NFPA). Witnesses discussed the status of core USFA
activities, such as public education and outreach, fire
research and data analysis, and emergency responder training
programs. The witnesses identified firefighter health and
safety, training for fighting fires in the wildland urban
interface, training for advanced topics in emergency medical
services (EMS) and improvement of the National Fire Incident
Reporting System (NFIRS) as pressing needs for USFA and the
fire service. The witnesses also testified that USFA needed
higher funding levels to fully meet the demand from fire
service and emergency personnel for USFA programming and
courses.
V. Committee Actions
The Subcommittee on Technology and Innovation heard
testimony in the 110th Congress relevant to the programs
authorized in H.R. 4847 at a hearing held on October 2, 2007.
During this hearing, the Subcommittee heard testimony from the
Director of the U.S. Fire Administration, the Director of the
National Institute of Standards and Technology's Building and
Fire Research Laboratory, and four outside witnesses
representing different sectors of the fire service community.
On December 19 2007, Representative Harry Mitchell, Vice
Chairman of the Subcommittee on Technology and Innovation of
the Committee on Science and Technology, for himself and
Representative Phil Gingrey, Ranking Member of the Subcommittee
on Technology and Innovation, introduced H.R. 4847, the U.S.
Fire Administration Reauthorization Act of 2007, a bill to
authorize appropriations for fiscal years 2009, 2010, 2011, and
2012 for the U.S. Fire Administration, and for other purposes.
The Subcommittee on Technology and Innovation met to
consider H.R. 4847 on Thursday, February 15, 2008 and
considered the following amendment to the bill:
Mr. Mitchell offered a manager's amendment to change
references in the bill to ``voluntary national consensus
standards'' to ``national voluntary consensus standards'', the
preferred term, and to make a technical change to subsection
(c) of section 4.
Mr. Gingrey moved that the Subcommittee favorably report
the bill, H.R. 4847, as amended, to the Full Committee. The
motion was agreed to by voice vote.
The Full Committee on Science and Technology met on
Wednesday, February 27, 2008, to consider H.R. 4847 and the
following amendments to the bill:
An amendment was offered by Mr. Mitchell to make technical
changes to the language in section 4 and to broaden the types
of organizations that Administrator is authorized to enter into
contracts with to deliver USFA training to state and local fire
service personnel, to include groups that, at the time of
contracting, offer training to state and local personnel on
behalf of another Federal agency. The amendment was adopted by
voice vote.
An amendment was offered by Mr. Gingrey to authorize the
U.S. Fire Administrator to conduct studies, either directly or
through contracts or grants, on the operation and management
aspects of fire service-based emergency medical services. The
amendment was adopted by voice vote.
An amendment was offered by Ms. Richardson to require the
U.S. Fire Administration, in consultation with the National
Fire Academy Superintendent, to consolidate and integrate into
the current National Fire Academy curriculum a course on
incident command training for fire service personnel fighting
fires at U.S. ports and in marine environments, including on
the water and shipboard fires. The amendment was adopted by
voice vote.
Mr. Baird moved that the Committee favorably report the
bill, H.R. 4847, as amended to the House with the
recommendation that the bill, as amended, do pass, and that the
staff be instructed to make technical and conforming changes to
the bill as amended and prepare the legislative report and that
the Chairman take all necessary steps to bring the bill before
the house for consideration. The motion was agreed to by voice
vote.
VI. Summary of Major Provisions of the Bill
H.R. 4847 authorizes a total of $292 million for the U.S.
Fire Administration for fiscal years 2009 through 2012. It also
authorizes the National Fire Academy to engage in training
activities related to firefighting in the wildland-urban
interface; multiple, large- scale fires that cross
jurisdictions and stretch resources; hazardous material
incidents; and advanced topics in emergency medical services
(EMS). The bill authorizes the U.S. Fire Administrator to enter
into contracts with qualified third-party organizations to
deliver USFA training to state and local entities, and the bill
requires USFA, in every third annual report to Congress, to
detail any changes made to the Fire Academy curriculum, and to
provide the rational and objectives for those changes. The bill
requires the Administrator to consolidate and integrate into
the NFA curriculum a course on incident command training for
fires at ports and in marine environments. H.R. 4847 authorizes
the Administrator to spend up to $5 million over three years to
update and improve the National Fire Incident Reporting System
to allow real-time, web-based reporting that will provide data
to users in a more timely and efficient manner. The bill
requires USFA to keep an updated website of past and present
research projects, and requires the Administrator to educate
local fire departments on national voluntary consensus
standards for firefighter health and safety and to promote
their adoption. Lastly, H.R. 4847 requires the Administrator to
include EMS in his liaison and coordination activities across
the Federal Government, and it authorizes the Administrator to
conduct studies of the operation and management aspects of fire
based-EMS.
VII. Section-by-Section Analysis
Section 1. Short title
The United States Fire Administration Reauthorization Act
of 2008''
Section 2. Findings
Finds that the rate of life and property loss due to fire
in the U.S. is still one of the highest in the industrialized
world and that a significant number of firefighters die or
suffer injury each year. Finds that the U.S. Fire
Administration (USFA) provides vital resources and leadership
to the Nation's fire service and should have a prominent voice
at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Section 3. Authorizations of appropriations
Authorizes appropriations: $70,000,000 for FY2009;
$72,100,000 for FY2010; $74,263,000 for FY2011; and $76,490,890
for FY2012. Each fiscal year, 3.6 percent of the funds
authorized are authorized to be used to carry out fire
technology research and related activities.
Section 4. National Fire Academy training program modifications and
reports
Amends the list of training activities the National Fire
Academy is authorized to engage in by expanding terrorism
specific catastrophe response to all-hazard catastrophe
response; authorizes training for response to large-scale fire
events that involve multiple jurisdictions and stretch
resources; authorizes training for firefighting activities in
the wildland-urban interface; authorizes training for fire and
emergencies involving hazardous materials; and authorizes
training for advanced issues related to emergency medical
services.
Requires the Administrator to include a description of any
changes to the National Fire Academy (NFA) curriculum in every
third annual USFA report to Congress.
Authorizes the Administrator to enter into contracts to
provide on-site training through accredited or otherwise
qualified organizations experienced with delivering such
training.
Requires the Administrator to consolidate and integrate
into the NFA curriculum a course on incident command for fires
in marine and port environments into the NFA's incident command
training.
Section 5. National Fire Incident Reporting System improvements
Authorizes the Administrator to use a maximum of $5 million
dollars from the total appropriated over the years FY2009 to
FY2011 to upgrade the National Fire incident Reporting System
(NFIRS).
Section 6. Fire technology assistance and research dissemination
Authorizes USFA to engage in research related to
technologies, techniques, approaches, etc., to address fire
suppression and prevention for fires in the wildland-urban
interface.
Requires USFA to maintain a web database of research and
related activities.
Section 7. Encouraging the adoption of standards for firefighter health
and safety
Directs the Administrator to promote the adoption of
national voluntary consensus standards for firefighter health
and safety by educating the fire service; encouraging standards
adoption at all levels of government; and making
recommendations on other ways the Federal government can
encourage state, local, and federal fire agencies to comply
with these standards.
Sec. 8. Coordination on fire service-based emergency medical services
Amends Section 21(e) of the Federal Fire Prevention and
Control Act of 1974 by directing the Administrator to include
fire service-based emergency medical services (EMS) in his
liaison and coordination activities across the Federal
government.
Authorizes the Administrator to conduct studies, either
directly or through contracts, on the operations and management
aspects of fire service-based EMS.
Sec. 9. Definitions
Defines wildland urban interface and hazardous materials.
VIII. Committee Views
GENERAL VIEWS
The U.S. Fire Administration's mission is to reduce the
loss of life and property from fire and related emergencies.
The agency accomplishes this mission by providing critical
resources and leadership to firefighters and fire personnel
around the country. Each year, fire injures and kills more
Americans than all other natural disasters combined. While this
number has significantly decreased since USFA's establishment
in 1974, the U.S. still has one of the highest rates of death
and injury from fire in the industrialized world.
Firefighters are the Nation's primary local first
responders. They are the first responders to a wide scope of
incidents, which includes hurricanes, terrorist attacks,
vehicular accidents, and wildland fires that encroach into
communities. USFA's fire service training programs, educational
and fire awareness programs, fire data collection, and fire
related research activities help the fire service meet these
dynamic and growing challenges. The Committee urges USFA to
maintain a multi-hazards approach in the agency's training and
programs.
USFA is the main voice for the fire service within the
Federal Government. The President's FY2009 budget request
transfers USFA from a stand-alone account to the FEMA
Operations, Management, and Administration account. The U.S.
Fire Administration was created in response to specifically
address the high loss of life, injury, and damage from fire
endured by the Nation each year. Fire death rates in the U.S.
are among the highest in the industrialized world and the
country still faces over $11 billion in property losses each
year. The Committee feels there is still a strong need for an
agency with a mission specifically devoted to reducing losses
from fire. This authorization underscores the importance the
Committee places on USFA as an intact, stand-alone account
rather than one subsumed into an agency with a much broader
mandate.
AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS
The Committee feels that the authorization levels set out
in this bill are consistent with providing for USFA to fully
carry out its mission to protect the public and enhance the
Nation's firefighting and emergency response capability.
DIRECT DELIVERY OF USFA TRAINING
The Administrator is authorized to use up to four percent
of the USFA budget for training through the National Fire
Academy (NFA) for delivering training directly to state and
local fire personnel. Section 4 explicitly authorizes the
Administrator to contract through qualified third-party
organizations to deliver this training to state and local fire
service personnel. To qualify, groups must either have the
proper accreditation from a nationally recognized organization
experienced in offering such accreditation or they must already
offer relevant training through another Federal agency. The
Committee believes that the Administrator should have the
discretion to contract with qualified organizations to offer
USFA training if the training is equivalent to the training
USFA offers; will benefit local first responders; and does not
place unnecessary costs on the Federal government. The
Committee believes that this flexibility will give USFA a range
of options that will allow the agency to deliver the best
possible training to firefighters.
NATIONAL FIRE INCIDENT REPORTING SYSTEM (NFIRS)
Section 5 authorizes the Administrator to use up to $5
million to improve NFIRS over three years. NFIRS provides data
vital to tracking trends in fires and other emergency incidents
across the country. However, currently only about half of these
incidents are captured by the system. Local departments send
their data by paper or computer file to a state agency who will
then periodically upload data to the NFIRS database at the
National Fire Data Center. The delayed pace at which data are
reported and posted decreases the database's utility to local
decision makers. The Committee believes USFA should modernize
this system to create a user friendly, web-based interface that
will speed up incident reporting, capture a higher percentage
of the fire and emergency incidents across the country, and be
useful to fire personnel and policy makers.
COORDINATION OF FIRE SERVICE-BASED EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES (EMS)
Emergency medical care has become an increasingly important
part of fire-service training and response. In many localities
these services are provided through fire service-based medical
systems that provide cross-training between firefighting and
emergency medical treatment. In other localities EMS is
provided by third-party entities that coordinate with fire-
services to respond to emergencies that require medical
intervention in addition to safety and rescue expertise. The
Committee believes that the Administrator must recognize the
growing role of EMS within many fire departments and provide
appropriate services to those departments.
It is the Committee's intent that as a general practice the
Administrator shall utilize the programs and research available
from the DHS Office of Health Affairs, National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration, Department of Health and Human Services,
and other relevant federal agencies in developing
recommendations for the operations and management of fire
services with the proviso that all out-of-hospital medical care
should be provided under medical direction. The Administrator
shall seek inclusion on appropriate coordination mechanisms
such as the Federal Interagency Committee on Emergency Medical
Services (42 U.S.C. Sec. 300d-4). To the extent that
information is not available through these partners, the
Administrator may conduct new studies focused on the needs of
fire services.
IX. Cost Estimate
A cost estimate and comparison prepared by the Director of
the Congressional Budget Office under section 402 of the
Congressional Budget Act of 1974 has been timely submitted to
the Committee on Science and Technology prior to the filing of
this report and is included in Section X of this report
pursuant to House Rule XIII, clause 3(c)(3).
H.R. 4847 does not contain new budget authority, credit
authority, or changes in revenues or tax expenditures. Assuming
that the sums authorized under the bill are appropriated, H.R.
4847 does authorize additional discretionary spending, as
described in the Congressional Budget Office report on the
bill, which is contained in Section X of this report.
X. Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate
H.R. 4847--United States Fire Administration Reauthorization Act of
2008
Summary: H.R. 4847 would reauthorize the United States Fire
Administration (USFA) through 2012. The USFA conducts research
and development in fire-related technology, collects and
disseminates information about fire and other emergency
incidents, and provides training to firefighters and emergency
responders. Based on historical expenditure data and assuming
appropriation of the specified amounts, CBO estimates that
implementing H.R. 4847 would cost $291 million over the 2009-
2013 period. Enacting this legislation would not affect direct
spending or revenues.
H.R. 4847 contains no intergovernmental or private-sector
mandates as defined in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (UMRA)
and would impose no costs on state, local, or tribal
governments.
Estimated cost to the Federal Government: The estimated
budgetary impact of H.R. 4847 is shown in the following table.
The costs of this legislation fall within budget function 450
(community and regional development).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By fiscal year, in millions of dollars--
-----------------------------------------------
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CHANGES IN SPENDING SUBJECT TO APPROPRIATION
Spending Under Current Law for the U.S. Fire Administration:
Budget Authority............................................ 43 0 0 0 0 0
Estimated Outlays........................................... 42 13 0 0 0 0
Proposed Changes:
Authorization Level......................................... 0 70 72 74 76 0
Estimated Outlays........................................... 0 49 71 73 75 23
Spending Under H.R. 4847 for the U.S. Fire Administration:
Authorization Level/Budget Authority........................ 43 70 72 74 76 0
Estimated Outlays........................................... 42 62 71 73 75 23
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Basis of estimate: H.R. 4847 would authorize the
appropriation of $292 million over the 2009-2012 period for the
USFA to carry out research and development activities related
to fire technology, collect and disseminate information through
the National Fire Data Center, and provide training to
firefighters and emergency responders. Such funding would
include $5 million to upgrade the National Fire Incident
Reporting System to accommodate real-time, Web-based incident
reporting. In 2008, the Congress appropriated about $43 million
to the USFA (see Public Law 110-161).
In addition to its current activities, H.R. 4847 would
authorize several new functions for the USFA. The bill would
direct the National Fire Academy to provide training on:
incidents occurring at ports and in areas where structures and
other human development intersect with undeveloped land, multi-
jurisdictional fires, hazardous materials incidents, and
advanced emergency medical services. The Administrator of the
USFA would be authorized to enter into contracts with qualified
organizations to provide on-site training in those and other
fire-related topics to firefighters and emergency personnel.
The bill also would direct USFA to conduct several studies on
the operation, management, and coordination of fire and
emergency medical services.
Based on historical expenditure patterns, CBO estimates
that implementing H.R. 4847 would cost $291 million over the
2009-2013 period. This estimate assumes that the bill will be
enacted by the end of fiscal year 2008 and that the amounts
authorized by the bill will be appropriated for each fiscal
year.
Intergovernmental and private-sector impact: H.R. 4847
contains no intergovernmental or private-sector mandates as
defined in UMRA and would impose no costs on state, local, or
tribal governments. Those governments would benefit from the
authorization of appropriations in the bill for grants,
training, and technical assistance.
Estimate prepared by: Federal costs: Daniel Hoople; Impact
on state, local, and tribal governments: Melissa Merrell;
Impact on the private sector: Amy Petz.
Estimate approved by: Theresa Gullo, Deputy Assistant
Director for Budget Analysis.
XI. Compliance With Public Law 104-4
H.R. 4847 contains no unfunded mandates.
XII. Committee Oversight Findings and Recommendations
The oversight findings and recommendations of the Committee
on Science and Technology are reflected in the body of this
report.
XIII. Statement on General Performance Goals and Objectives
Pursuant to clause (3)( c) of House rule XIII, the goal of
H.R. 4847 is to reauthorize the U.S. Fire Administration and
enable USFA to meet the evolving needs of the Nation's fire
service.
XIV. Constitutional Authority Statement
Article I, section 8 of the Constitution of the United
States grants Congress the authority to enact H.R. 4847.
XV. Federal Advisory Committee Statement
H.R. 4847 does not establish nor authorize the
establishment of any advisory committee.
XVI. Congressional Accountability Act
The Committee finds at H.R. 4847 does not relate to the
terms and conditions of employment or access to public services
or accommodations within the meaning of section 102(b)(3) of
the Congressional Accountability Act (Public Law 104-1).
XVII. Earmark Identification
H.R. 4847 does not contain any congressional earmarks,
limited tax benefits, or limited tariff benefits as defined in
clause 9(d), 9(e), or 9(f) of Rule XXI.
XVIII. Statement on Preemption of State, Local, or Tribal Law
This bill is not intended to preempt any state, local, or
tribal law.
XIX. Changes in Existing Law Made by the Bill, as Reported
In compliance with clause 3(e) of rule XIII of the Rules of
the House of Representatives, changes in existing law made by
the bill, as reported, are shown as follows (existing law
proposed to be omitted is enclosed in black brackets, new
matter is printed in italic, existing law in which no change is
proposed is shown in roman):
FEDERAL FIRE PREVENTION AND CONTROL ACT OF 1974
* * * * * * *
DEFINITIONS
Sec. 4. As used in this Act, the term--
(1) * * *
* * * * * * *
(3) ``Administrator'' means the Administrator of the
United States Fire [Administration] Administration, who
is the Assistant Administrator of the Federal Emergency
Management Agency;
* * * * * * *
(6) ``hazardous materials'' has the meaning given
such term in section 5102(2) of title 49, United States
Code;
[(6)] (7) ``local'' means of or pertaining to any
city, town, county, special purpose district,
unincorporated territory, or other political
subdivision of a State;
[(7)] (8) ``place of public accommodation affecting
commerce'' means any inn, hotel, or other establishment
not owned by the Federal Government that provides
lodging to transient guests, except that such term does
not include an establishment treated as an apartment
building for purposes of any State or local law or
regulation or an establishment located within a
building that contains not more than 5 rooms for rent
or hire and that is actually occupied as a residence by
the proprietor of such establishment; [and]
[(8)] (9) ``State'' means any State, the District of
Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Virgin
Islands, the Canal Zone, Guam, American Samoa, the
Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands and any other
territory or possession of the United States[.]; and
(10) ``wildland-urban interface'' has the meaning
given such term in section 101(16) of the Healthy
Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6511(16)).
* * * * * * *
NATIONAL ACADEMY FOR FIRE PREVENTION AND CONTROL
Sec. 7. (a) * * *
* * * * * * *
(d) Program of the Academy.--The Superintendent is authorized
to--
(1) train fire service personnel in such skills and
knowledge as may be useful to advance their ability to
prevent and control fires, including, but not limited
to--
(A) * * *
* * * * * * *
(H) response, tactics, and strategies for
dealing with [terrorist-caused national
catastrophes] terrorist-caused and other
national catastrophes;
(I) response, tactics, and strategies for
fighting large-scale fires or multiple fires in
a general area that cross jurisdictional
boundaries;
(J) response, tactics, and strategies for
fighting fires occurring at the wildland-urban
interface;
(K) response, tactics, and strategies for
fighting fires involving hazardous materials;
(L) advanced emergency medical services
training;
[(I)] (M) use of and familiarity with the
Federal Response Plan;
[(J)] (N) leadership and strategic skills,
including integrated management systems
operations and integrated response;
[(K)] (O) applying new technology and
developing strategies and tactics for fighting
[forest] wildland fires;
[(L)] (P) integrating the activities of
terrorism response agencies into national
terrorism incident response systems;
[(M)] (Q) [response tactics and] response,
tactics, and strategies for fighting fires at
United States ports, including fires on the
water and aboard vessels; and
[(N)] (R) the training of present and future
instructors in the aforementioned subjects;
* * * * * * *
[(f) Assistance.--The Administrator is authorized to provide
assistance to State and local fire service training programs
through grants, contracts, or otherwise. Such assistance shall
not exceed 4 per centum of the amount authorized to be
appropriated in each fiscal year pursuant to section 17 of this
Act.]
(f) Assistance.--
(1) In general.--The Administrator is authorized to
provide assistance to State and local fire service
training programs through grants, contracts, or
otherwise.
(2) Authorization to enter into contracts to provide
on-site training through certain accredited
organizations.--
(A) In general.--The Administrator is
authorized to enter into a contract with one or
more nationally recognized organizations that
have established on-site training programs that
comply with national voluntary consensus
standards for fire service personnel to
facilitate the delivery of the education and
training programs outlined in subsection (d)(1)
directly to fire service personnel.
(B) Restrictions.--The Administrator shall
not enter into a contract with such
organization unless such organization--
(i) operates a fire service training
program accredited by a nationally
recognized accreditation organization
experienced with accrediting such
training; or
(ii) at the time the Administrator
enters into the contract, provides
training under such a program under a
cooperative agreement with a Federal
agency.
(3) Restriction on use of funds.--The amounts
expended by the Administrator to carry out this
subsection in any fiscal year shall not exceed 4 per
centum of the amount authorized to be appropriated in
such fiscal year pursuant to section 17 of this Act.
* * * * * * *
(m) Triennial Report.--In the first annual report filed
pursuant to section 16 for which the deadline for filing is
after the expiration of the 18-month period that begins on the
date of the enactment of the United States Fire Administration
Reauthorization Act of 2008, and in every third annual report
thereafter, the Administrator shall include information about
changes made to the Academy curriculum, including--
(1) the basis for such changes, including a review of
the incorporation of lessons learned by emergency
response personnel after significant emergency events
and emergency preparedness exercises performed under
the National Exercise Program; and
(2) the desired training outcome of all such changes.
FIRE TECHNOLOGY
Sec. 8. (a) * * *
* * * * * * *
(c) Management Studies.--(1) * * *
(2) The Administrator is authorized to conduct, directly or
through contracts or grants, studies of the operations and
management aspects of fire service-based emergency medical
services and coordination between emergency medical services
and fire services. Such studies may include the optimum
protocols for on-scene care, the allocation of resources, and
the training requirements for fire service-based emergency
medical services.
[(2)] (3) The Administrator is authorized to conduct,
directly or through contracts or grants, research concerning
the productivity and efficiency of fire service personnel, the
job categories and skills required by fire services under
varying conditions, the reduction of injuries to fire service
personnel, the most effective fire prevention programs and
activities, and techniques for accurately measuring and
analyzing the foregoing.
[(3)] (4) The Administrator is authorized to conduct,
directly or through contracts, grants, or other forms of
assistance, development, testing, and demonstration projects to
the extent deemed necessary to introduce and to encourage the
acceptance of new technology, standards, operating methods,
command techniques, and management systems for utilization by
the fire services.
[(4)] (5) The Administrator is authorized to assist the
Nation's fire services, directly or through contracts, grants,
or other forms of assistance, to measure and evaluate, on a
cost-benefit basis, the effectiveness of the programs and
activities of each fire service and the predictable
consequences on the applicable local fire services of
coordination or combination, in whole or in part, in a
regional, metropolitan, or statewide fire service.
(d) [Rural Assistance.--The Administrator] Rural and
Wildland-Urban Interface Assistance.--(1) The Administrator is
authorized to assist the Nation's fire services, directly or
through contracts, grants, or other forms of assistance, to
sponsor and encourage research into approaches, techniques,
systems, and equipment to improve fire prevention and control
in the rural and remote areas of the Nation.
(2) The Administrator is authorized to assist the Nation's
fire services, directly or through contracts, grants, or other
forms of assistance, to sponsor and encourage research into
approaches, techniques, systems, and equipment to improve fire
prevention and control in the wildland-urban interface.
* * * * * * *
(h) Research Dissemination.--Beginning 1 year after the date
of the enactment of the United States Fire Administration
Reauthorization Act of 2008, the Administrator, in
collaboration with the relevant departments and agencies of the
Federal Government, shall make available to the public
information about all ongoing and planned fire-related research
funded by the Administration during fiscal year 2007 and each
fiscal year thereafter, as well as the results generated from
such research, through a regularly updated Internet-based
database.
NATIONAL FIRE DATA CENTER
Sec. 9. (a) * * *
(b) Methods.--In carrying out the program of the Data Center,
the Administrator is authorized to--
(1) * * *
(2) encourage and [assist State,] assist Federal,
State, local, and other agencies, public and private,
in developing and reporting information; and
* * * * * * *
(d) National Fire Incident Reporting System Update.--Of the
amounts made available pursuant to subparagraphs (E), (F), and
(G) of section 17(g)(1), the Administrator shall use no more
than an aggregate amount of $5,000,000 during the 3-year period
consisting of fiscal years 2009, 2010, and 2011 to carry out
activities necessary to update the National Fire Incident
Reporting system to an Internet-based, real-time incident
reporting database, including capital investment, contractor
engagement, and user education.
* * * * * * *
AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS
Sec. 17. (a) * * *
* * * * * * *
(g)(1) Except as otherwise specifically provided with respect
to the payment of claims under section 11 of this Act, there
are authorized to be appropriated to carry out the purposes of
this Act--
(A) * * *
* * * * * * *
(C) $66,796,000 for fiscal year 2007, of which
$2,404,000 shall be used to carry out section 8(f);
[and]
(D) $68,800,000 for fiscal year 2008, of which
$2,476,000 shall be used to carry out section 8(f)[.];
(E) $70,000,000 for fiscal year 2009, of which
$2,520,000 shall be used to carry out section 8;
(F) $72,100,000 for fiscal year 2010, of which
$2,595,600 shall be used to carry out section 8;
(G) $74,263,000 for fiscal year 2011, of which
$2,673,468 shall be used to carry out section 8; and
(H) $76,490,890 for fiscal year 2012, of which
$2,753,672 shall be used to carry out section 8.
* * * * * * *
ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS
Sec. 21. (a) * * *
* * * * * * *
[(e) Coordination.--To the extent practicable, the
Administrator shall utilize existing programs, data,
information, and facilities already available in other Federal
Government departments and agencies and, where appropriate,
existing research organizations, centers, and universities. The
Administrator shall provide liaison at an appropriate
organizational level to assure coordination of his activities
with State and local government agencies, departments, bureaus,
or offices concerned with any matter related to programs of
fire prevention and control with private and other Federal
organizations and offices so concerned.]
(e) Coordination.--
(1) In general.--To the extent practicable, the
Administrator shall utilize existing programs, data,
information, and facilities already available in other
Federal Government departments and agencies and, where
appropriate, existing research organizations, centers,
and universities.
(2) Coordination of fire prevention and control
programs.--The Administrator shall provide liaison at
an appropriate organizational level to assure
coordination of the Administrator's activities with
State and local government agencies, departments,
bureaus, or offices concerned with any matter related
to programs of fire prevention and control with private
and other Federal organizations and offices so
concerned.
(3) Coordination of fire service-based emergency
medical services programs.--The Administrator shall
provide liaison at an appropriate organizational level
to assure coordination of the Administrator's
activities with State and local government agencies,
departments, bureaus, or offices concerned with
programs related to emergency medical services provided
by fire service-based systems with private and other
Federal organizations and offices so concerned.
* * * * * * *
SEC. 37. ENCOURAGING ADOPTION OF STANDARDS FOR FIREFIGHTER HEALTH AND
SAFETY.
The Administrator shall promote adoption by fire services of
national voluntary consensus standards for firefighter health
and safety, including such standards for firefighter
operations, training, staffing, and fitness, by educating fire
services about such standards, encouraging the adoption at all
levels of government of such standards, and making
recommendations on other ways in which the Federal government
can promote the adoption of such standards by fire services.
XX. Committee Recommendations
On February 27, 2008, the Committee on Science and
Technology favorably reported The United States Fire
Administration Reauthorization Act of 2008 by a voice vote, and
recommended its enactment.
XXI. PROCEEDINGS OF THE MARKUP BY THE SUBCOMMITTEE ON TECHNOLOGY AND
INNOVATION ON H.R. 4847, THE UNITED STATES FIRE ADMINISTRATION
REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2007
----------
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2008
House of Representatives,
Subcommittee on Technology and Innovation,
Committee on Science,
Washington, DC.
The Subcommittee met, pursuant to call, at 10:15 a.m., in
Room 2318 of the Rayburn House Office Building, Hon. David Wu
[Chairman of the Subcommittee] presiding.
Chairman Wu. Good morning. The Subcommittee on Technology
and Innovation will now come to order. Pursuant to notice, the
Subcommittee on Technology and Innovation meets to consider the
following measures: H.R. 4847, the United States Fire
Administration Reauthorization Act of 2007. It appears to me
that we are no longer in 2007. Is that going to be an
administrative amendment? Terrific--as read, 2007; H.R. 5161,
the Green Transportation Infrastructure Research and Technology
Transfer Act, and H.R. 3916, To provide for the next generation
of border and maritime security technologies.
We will now proceed with the markup, beginning with opening
statements, and the Chairman recognizes himself.
First of all, I would like to welcome everyone to the first
Science and Technology Committee markup of 2008. We had a very
productive first session in 2007, and I am looking forward to
working with my colleagues to pass more good legislation this
year. Today we will be considering three bills, each of which
deals with protecting and enhancing our nation's critical
infrastructure our environment. H.R. 4847, introduced by the
Vice Chair of the Subcommittee, Representative Mitchell, the
gentleman from Arizona, and with Subcommittee Ranking Member
Gingrey as an original co-sponsor, reauthorizes the United
States Fire Administration. USFA is an important resource for
our nation's firefighters, providing training, fire safety
awareness for the public, data collection services, and fire-
suppression and prevention research and technology. I am
pleased we are considering H.R. 4847 today, a bill worked on
hard by both Republicans and Democrats, and will authorize USFA
to continue its role as a leader and resource for the Nation's
fire service, and help enable firefighters to meet the dynamic
and growing mission of the fire service in the 21st century.
We will also be considering H.R. 5161, the Green
Transportation Infrastructure Research and Technology Transfer
Act. As you may remember, this past May, we heard from the
Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Department of
Transportation, as well as local governments and industry. They
agreed that we have a great opportunity in this country to
manage and protect our water resources through the use of
innovative technologies and also serve as transportation
infrastructure and as means for managing and filtering storm
water runoff.
The EPA witness, Assistant Administrator for Water, Ben
Grumbles, is already making a great effort to promote the
expanded use of such infrastructure around the U.S., but he and
the other witnesses found a number of barriers, which this bill
works to overcome through research and education programs at
the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Finally, H.R. 3916, introduced by Ranking Member Hall,
authorizes programs at the Department of Homeland Security to
improve the technology used to protect the Nation's borders and
ports of entry. Border security officers have an incredibly
difficult job. It is part law enforcement, part first
responder, part diplomat, and part detective. It is clear that
these agents need the help of new technology to do their jobs
better and to make our borders more secure. Technology can act
as additional eyes and ears for Border Patrol agents.
This bill has special importance for me, as these
technologies help reinforce security efforts at ports in
addition to land borders. The Port of Portland processed more
than fourteen million tons of cargo in 2007, and our
international airport also screened in a number of people
coming in from overseas. I know that the hardworking officers
managing security at the Port of Portland could use the
assistance of these innovative technologies.
These three bills share an important common theme: the use
of research and technology to solve some of our nation's most
pressing problems. I am eager to join my colleagues on both
sides of the aisle in advancing these important objectives.
[The prepared statement of Chairman Wu follows:]
Prepared Statement of Chairman David Wu
First of all, I'd like to welcome everyone to the first Science and
Technology Committee markup of 2008. We had a very productive first
session, and I'm looking forward to working with my colleagues to pass
good legislation this year. Today we will be considering three bills,
each of which deals with protecting and enhancing our nation's critical
infrastructure and environment.
H.R. 4847, introduced by the Vice Chair of the Subcommittee,
Representative Mitchell, and with Subcommittee Ranking Member Gingrey
as an original co-sponsor, reauthorizes the U.S. Fire Administration.
The U.S. Fire Administration is an important resource for our nation's
firefighters, providing training, fire safety awareness for the public,
data collection services, and fire suppression and prevention research
and technology.
I am pleased we are considering H.R. 4847 today, a bipartisan piece
of legislation that will authorize USFA to continue its role as a
leader and resource for the Nation's firefighters, and help
firefighters save lives and meet the dynamic mission of the fire
service in the 21st century.
We will also be considering H.R. 5161, the Green Transportation
Infrastructure Research and Technology Transfer Act. This past May this
subcommittee held a hearing that included witnesses from the
Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Department of Transportation,
and representatives of local government and industry. The witnesses
agreed that we have a great opportunity to manage and protect our
nation's water resources by using of innovative techniques and
technologies that simultaneously serve as transportation infrastructure
and as means for managing and filtering storm water.
The EPA witness, Assistant Administrator for Water Ben Grumbles, is
already making great efforts to promote the expanded use of green
infrastructure around the U.S. But he and the other witnesses described
a number of barriers, which this bill works to overcome through
research and education efforts at the U.S. Department of
Transportation.
Finally, H.R. 3916, introduced by Ranking Member Hall, authorizes
programs at the Department of Homeland Security to improve the
technology used to protect the Nation's borders and ports of entry.
Border security officers have an incredibly difficult job. It is part
law enforcement, part first responder, part diplomat, and part
detective. It is clear that these agents need the help of new
technology to do their jobs better and to make our borders more secure.
Technology can act as additional eyes and ears for Border Patrol
agents.
This bill has special importance for me, as these technologies help
reinforce security efforts at ports in addition to land borders. The
Port of Portland processed more than fourteen million tons of cargo in
2007, and I know that the hardworking officers managing security there
could use the assistance these innovative technologies would provide.
These three bills share an important common theme--the use of
research and technology to solve some of our nation's most pressing
problems. I'm eager to join my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in
advancing this important legislation.
Chairman Wu. And now, I recognize the Ranking Member of the
Subcommittee, Dr. Gingrey, the gentleman from Georgia, to
present his opening remarks.
Mr. Gingrey. Chairman Wu, I thank you for holding this
subcommittee markup on the three pieces of legislation that
address a wide range of issues under the jurisdiction of the
Technology and Innovation Subcommittee. We have the privilege
today to be conducting the Science Committee's first official
business of the year, and the 2nd session of 110th Congress.
Today, we consider H.R. 4847, the United States Fire
Administration Reauthorization Act of 2007; H.R. 5161, the
Green Transportation Infrastructure Research and Technology
Transfer Act; and finally, H.R. 3916, a border-security
technology bill.
As we consider each piece of legislation, we will reaffirm
that the Technology and Innovation Subcommittee plays an
important role in a number of issues urgently facing our
country. Today, we will be examining issues facing first
responders in local communities on a daily basis, the impact
that our transportation infrastructure has on the contamination
of our water supplies, and developing the next-generation
technologies for the Federal Government to keep our borders
secure.
Mr. Chairman, I want to also thank you for the way the
Subcommittee has conducted the process by which each piece of
legislation is being considered today. Each of the bills being
marked up today has gone through a--what we all refer to and
know as regular order. The Subcommittee held an individual
hearing on each bill, last year in 2007, and that provided
Members with the opportunity to ask questions of these experts,
in order for us to be better informed as we crafted each bill
to, hopefully, perfection or near-perfection.
Furthermore, Mr. Chairman, I want to thank you. I want to
thank you for allowing us to work in a bipartisan manner on
each piece of legislation. As these three bills demonstrate, we
can accomplish more for the American people when Republicans
and Democrats work together. Mr. Chairman, I applaud you and
your staff for working with me and my Republican staff on the
Committee to balance all perspectives to make these bills sound
policy.
So Mr. Chairman, I hope this markup is an indication of how
we can expect the Technology and Innovation Subcommittee to
continue to operate throughout the year 2008. I look forward to
working with on these issues that we will discuss and debate
today, as well as other matters that will come before the
Subcommittee for the rest of this year.
And with that, Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my
time.
[The prepared statement of Mr. Gingrey follows:]
Prepared Statement of Representative Phil Gingrey
Chairman Wu, I want to thank you for holding this subcommittee
mark-up on three pieces of legislation that address a wide range of
issues under the jurisdiction of the Technology and Innovation
Subcommittee. We have the privilege today to be conducting the Science
Committee's first official business of this year and the 2nd Session of
the 110th Congress.
Today, we consider H.R. 4847, the United States Fire Administration
Reauthorization Act of 2007; H.R. 5161, the Green Transportation
Infrastructure Research and Technology Transfer Act; and H.R. 3916, a
border security technology bill.
As we consider each piece of legislation, we will reaffirm that the
Technology and Innovation Subcommittee plays an important role in a
number of issues currently facing our country. Today, we will be
examining issues facing first responders in local communities on a
daily basis; the impact that our transportation infrastructure has on
the contamination of our water supplies; and developing next generation
technologies for the Federal Government to keep our borders secure.
Mr. Chairman, I want to also thank you for the way the Subcommittee
has conducted the process by which each piece of legislation is being
considered today. Each of the bills being marked up today has gone
through regular order. The Subcommittee held an individual hearing on
each bill in 2007, providing Members the opportunity to ask questions
of the experts in order for us to be better informed as we crafted each
bill. Furthermore Mr. Chairman, I also want to thank you for allowing
us to work in a bipartisan manner on each piece of legislation. As
these three bills demonstrate, we can accomplish more for the American
people when Republicans and Democrats work together. Mr. Chairman, I
applaud you and your staff for working with me and the Republican staff
on the Committee to balance all perspectives to make these bills into
sound policy. Mr. Chairman, I hope that this markup is an indication of
how we can expect the Technology and Innovation Subcommittee to
continue to operate throughout 2008. I look forward to working with you
on these issues that we will discuss and debate today, as well as other
matters that will come before the Subcommittee for the rest of the
year.
With that Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.
Chairman Wu. Thank you very much, Dr. Gingrey, and without
objection, Members may place statement may place statements in
the record at this point.
We will now consider H.R. 4847, the United States Fire
Administration Reauthorization Act of 2007. I yield to Mr.
Mitchell, the gentleman from Arizona, five minutes to describe
this bill.
Mr. Mitchell. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I am very pleased
that the Subcommittee is marking up H.R. 4847, a bill to
reauthorize the U.S. Fire Administration, introduced by myself
with the original co-sponsorship of the Subcommittee Ranking
Member, Dr. Gingrey.
The wildfires this past fall in California reminded us all
of the vital role the fire service plays in protecting our
communities. Although we have made significant strides in
reducing fire-related deaths and injuries since Congress
created the Fire Administration in the early 1970s, over 3,000
Americans a year still die in fires, and many more than that
are injured. The Nation also suffers over $11 billion in fire-
related property losses, annually. Fire clearly continues to be
a major problem in the U.S.
The U.S. Fire Administration is an invaluable resource for
the thousands of firefighters and emergency personnel around
the country. Through training, educational materials, data
collection, and other services, USFA provides tools and
leadership to the fire service and the communities they serve.
H.R. 4847 authorizes this important agency, for four years, at
funding levels consistent for USFA to fully carry out its
mission, and it authorizes USFA to focus its resources on
pressing challenges for today's first responders, like fighting
fires in the wild, and urban interface, and responding to
incidents involving hazardous materials.
The bill also directs the USFA to improve the national
fire-incident reporting system, which provides important data
on fire events to policy-makers at all levels of government.
At the hearing the Subcommittee held last October, we
learned that today's firefighters are called on to respond to
and prepare for an increasing number of emergencies. This
reauthorization gives USFA the authority and direction to meet
the dynamic and evolving mission of the Nation's fire service.
The bill also directs USFA to continue its leadership in
addressing firefighter health and safety. Tragically, every
year, over 100 firefighters die in the line of duty. H.R. 4847
directs the fire administrator to educate local departments on
voluntary national-consensus standards that address firefighter
health and safety and encourage communities to adopt these
standards.
H.R. 4847 is the product of bipartisan collaboration and
considerable input from the fire service community. The
resources and leadership of USFA are an essential part of the
ability of the fire service to protect our cities, towns, and
communities, and I urge the Subcommittee to pass this bill and
report it out favorably, and I yield back the balance of my
time.
[The prepared statement of Mr. Mitchell follows:]
Prepared Statement of Representative Harry E. Mitchell
Thank you Mr. Chairman. I'm very pleased that the Subcommittee is
marking up H.R. 4847, a bill to reauthorize the U.S. Fire
Administration, introduced by myself with the original co-sponsorship
of the Subcommittee Ranking Member, Mr. Gingrey.
The wildfires this past fall in California reminded us all of the
vital role the fire service plays in protecting our communities.
Although we have made significant strides in reducing fire related
deaths and injuries since Congress created the Fire Administration in
the early 1970's, over 3,000 Americans a year still die in fires and
many more than that are injured. The Nation also suffers over $11
billion fire-related property losses annually. Fire clearly continues
to be a major problem in the U.S.
The U.S. Fire Administration is an invaluable resource for the
thousands of firefighters and emergency personnel around the country.
Through training, educational materials, data collection, and other
services, USFA provides tools and leadership to the fire service and
the communities they serve.
H.R. 4847 reauthorizes this important agency for four years at
funding levels consistent for USFA to fully carry out its mission. It
authorizes USFA to focus its resources on pressing challenges for
today's first responders, like fighting fires in the wildland-urban
interface and responding to incidents involving hazardous materials.
The bill also directs USFA to improve the National Fire Incident
Reporting System, which provides important data on fire events to
policy-makers at all levels of government. At the hearing the
Subcommittee held last October, we learned that today's firefighters
are called on to respond to, and prepare for, an increasing number of
emergencies.
This reauthorization gives USFA the authority and direction to meet
the dynamic and evolving mission of the Nation's fire service.
The bill also directs USFA to continue it leadership in addressing
firefighter health and safety. Tragically, every year over 100
firefighters die in the line of duty. H.R. 4847 directs the Fire
Administrator to educate local departments on voluntary national
consensus standards that address firefighter health and safety and
encourage communities to adopt these standards.
H.R. 4847 is the product of bipartisan collaboration and
considerable input from the fire service community. The resources and
leadership of USFA are an essential part of the ability of the fire
service to protect our cities, towns, and communities, and I urge the
Subcommittee to pass this bill and report it out favorably.
Chairman Wu. Thank you very much, Mr. Mitchell, and now, I
would like to recognize Dr. Gingrey, the co-sponsor of the
legislation for any remarks that he may have.
Mr. Gingrey. Mr. Chairman, I want to thank you for
providing our subcommittee with the opportunity to consider
H.R. 4847, the United States Fire Administration
Reauthorization Act of 2007.
As the lead Republican sponsor of this legislation, I want
to commend, of course, the bill's sponsor, Mr. Mitchell, from
Arizona, for bringing forward this legislation to reauthorize
the U.S. Fire Administration. I am very pleased that we have
worked, again, in a bipartisan manner over these past few
months to prepare the bill we have before us today.
The mission of USFA is to reduce life and economic losses
due to fire and related emergencies through leaderships,
advocacy, coordination, and support. This organization provides
vital assistance in the areas of training, fire education, and
awareness, and it awards grants to a number of local fire
departments across this country. These activities have made a
substantial impact over the past 30 years.
Mr. Chairman, it is important to note that because of the
work of the USFA, smoke alarms are now standard issue in
residences across the country. Over a million firefighters have
received advanced training, and firefighter equipment and
safety continually improves. USFA should be proud of its record
of achievement; however, it is also clear that improvements can
still be made.
In the last ten years, deaths have--that are related to
fires have decreased by approximately 25 percent, from nearly
5,000 in 1996 to 3,675 in 2006. Although that decreases in
fire-related deaths is commendable, the United States still has
one of the highest death rates from fire in the entire
industrialized world. Additionally, Mr. Chairman, despite
decreases in the number of fires, direct-damage costs are
increasing and surpassed $10 billion per year. To put it
another way, in an average year, fires cause as much damage in
the United States as hurricanes. That's a surprising statistic.
The reauthorization of USFA will allow the agency to continue
to improve our preparedness and reduce our vulnerability to
fire.
Mr. Chairman, however, I think you know I have some
concerns about the adequacy and potentially duplicative nature
of fire-administrating activities in the realm of EMS services,
emergency medical services, in regard to what is already
provided in some communities. As we move forward on H.R. 4847,
I hope that other Members of the Science Committee and the fire
community can continue to discuss better ways to implement best
practices for training, system design, and on-the-scene care
for fire-based EMS, emergency medical services while making
sure to work with the existing medical services in these
communities. You can imagine a situation where you have three
or four competing first responders, if you will, all skilled in
cardiopulmonary resuscitation, fighting for--or trying to save
the lives of either a victim or one of our brave firefighters,
so I want to make sure you understand why I am concerned about
that. I just want good, close coordination.
The current bill is an important and well-crafted step
forward for USFA. I urge all of my colleagues on the
Subcommittee to support the bill and support the upcoming
manager's amendment. It makes minor, technical changes to the
underlying legislation. And with that, Mr. Chairman, I yield
back the balance of my time.
Chairman Wu. I thank the gentleman, and I understand that
Mr. Hall, the Ranking Member of the Full Committee, would like
to make a statement at this point.
Mr. Hall. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and I will be brief. I
just want to add to what the gentleman from Georgia said. You
know, we have always heard it said that water and fire are
wonderful friends but fearful enemies, and we have to
appreciate both of them, water and fire, for the good they do,
but we know that they bring devastation. And the tornado that
hit over in Kentucky and Tennessee brought to light the work of
the firefighters and the good work that they do.
I think it is a shame that it took 9/11 for the American
people to really, truly appreciate firefighters and others that
defend us and protect our property and our lives, so I think it
is great to take our hat off to them, and express our thanks
and our gratitude to them. I thank the Chairman for having this
hearing, and I thank the gentleman from Georgia for his very
appropriate statements. I am very pro-firefighters. I don't
know how you can say enough about the good things they have
done, but they are part of the treasures of this country, and
it is good for this committee and for this Congress to honor
them every chance we get. I yield back my time.
Chairman Wu. Thank you, Mr. Hall, and as always, your
comments are so pithy and also provide a launch point. You
referred to the fearsome adversarial nature of fire and water,
potentially, and I just want to add that what was ignored prior
to our amendments that this committee worked--the Full
Committee, six years ago, fire on water, that's marine fires,
were not included in eligible training programs and research
under the fire administration, and that's something we changed,
this committee changed, several years ago, and that is an
important change that we retain in the current legislation.
Thank you for your comments, and thank you Dr. Gingrey and Mr.
Mitchell.
I ask unanimous consent that the bill be considered as read
and open to amendment at any point, and that Members proceed
with amendments in the order of the roster. Without objection,
so ordered.
The first amendment on the roster is a manager's amendment
offered by the gentleman from Arizona. Mr. Mitchell, are you
ready to proceed with your amendment?
Mr. Mitchell. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the
desk.
Chairman Wu. The Clerk will report the amendment.
The Clerk. Amendment to H.R. 4847 offered by Mr. Mitchell
of Arizona.
Chairman Wu. I ask unanimous consent to dispense with the
reading. Without objection, so ordered.
I recognize the gentleman from Arizona for five minutes to
explain his amendment.
Mr. Mitchell. I thank you, Mr. Chairman. I am introducing
this amendment to H.R. 4847 to change references in the bill to
``voluntary national consensus standards'' to read ``national
voluntary consensus standards,'' the preferred term. It also
makes a technical change to Subsection C of Section 4.
And I yield back.
Chairman Wu. I think the gentleman. Is there further
discussion of the amendment? If not, the vote occurs on the
amendment. All in favor, say aye. Those opposed, say no. The
ayes have it, and the amendment is agreed to.
Are there any other amendments? Hearing none, the vote is
on the bill H.R. 4847, the United States Fire Administration
Reauthorization Act of 2007, as amended. All those in favor
will say aye. All those opposed will say no. In the opinion of
the Chair, the ayes have it.
I now recognize Dr. Gingrey to make a motion.
Mr. Gingrey. Mr. Chairman, I move that the Subcommittee
favorably report H.R. 4847, as amended, to the Full Committee,
and furthermore, I move that staff be instructed to prepare the
Subcommittee legislative report and make necessary technical
and conforming changes to the bill, as amended, in accordance
with the recommendation of the Subcommittee.
Chairman Wu. The question is on the motion to report the
bill favorably. Those in favor of the motion will signify by
saying aye. Opposed will say no. The ayes have it, and the bill
is favorably reported.
Without objection, the motion to reconsider is laid upon
the table. Subcommittee Members may submit additional or
Minority views on the measure.
I want to thank Members of the Committee and the
Subcommittee for their attendance, and with our typical,
across-the-aisle-workmanship is not the right term, but our
work across the aisle, and our head-spinning efficiency. We
have again moved multiple pieces of legislation and conclude
this subcommittee markup. Thank you all very much.
[Whereupon, at 11:05 a.m., the Subcommittee was adjourned.]
Appendix:
----------
H.R. 4847, Section-by-Section Analysis, Amendment Roster
Section-by-Section Analysis of
H.R. 4847, U.S. Fire Administration Reauthorization of 2007
Section 1. Short Title
``The United States Fire Administration Reauthorization Act of
2007''
Section 2. Findings
Finds that the rate of life and property loss due to fire in the
U.S. is still one of the highest in the industrialized world and that a
significant number of firefighters die or suffer injury each year.
Finds that USFA provides vital resources and leadership to the Nation's
fire service and should have a prominent voice at the Department of
Homeland Security.
Section 3. Authorization of Appropriations
Authorizes appropriations: $70,000,000 for FY 2009; $72,100,000 for
FY 2010; $74,263,000 for FY 2011; and $76,490,890 for FY 2012. Each
fiscal year, 3.6 percent of the funds authorized are authorized to be
used to carry out fire technology research and related activities.
Section 4. National Fire Academy Training Program Modifications and
Reports
Amends the list of training activities the National Fire Academy
(NFA) is authorized to engage in by broadening authorized NFA training
activities from terrorism specific to all-hazard; authorize training
for response to large-scale fire events that involve multiple
jurisdictions and stretch resources; authorize training for
firefighting activities in the wildland-urban interface; authorize
training for hazmat firefighting; and authorize training for advanced
issues related to emergency medical services.
Requires the Administrator to include a description of any changes
to the NFA curriculum in every third USFA yearly report to Congress.
Authorizes the Administrator to enter into contracts to provide on-
site training through accredited or otherwise qualified organizations
experienced with delivering such training.
Section 5. National Fire Incident Reporting System Upgrades
Authorizes the Administrator to use a maximum of $5 million dollars
from the total appropriated over the years FY 2009 to FY 2011 to
upgrade NFIRS.
Section 6. Fire Technology Assistance and Research Dissemination
Authorizes USFA to engage in research related to technologies,
techniques, approaches, etc., to address fire suppression and
prevention for fires in the wildland-urban interface.
Requires USFA to maintain a web database of these activities.
Section 7. Encouraging the Adoption of Standards for Firefighter Health
and Safety
Directs the Administrator to promote the adoption of national
voluntary consensus standards for firefighter health and safety by
educating the fire service, encouraging their adoption at all levels of
government and making recommendations on other ways the Federal
Government can encourage State, local, and federal fire agencies to
comply with these standards.
Section 8. Coordination on Fire Service-Based Emergency Medical
Services
Amends Section 21(e) of the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act
of 1974 by directing the Administrator to include fire service-based
emergency medical services in his liaison and coordination activities
across the Federal Government.
Section 9. Definitions
Defines wildland-urban interface and hazardous materials.
XXII. PROCEEDINGS OF THE FULL COMMITTEE MARKUP ON H.R. 4847, THE UNITED
STATES FIRE ADMINISTRATION REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2007
----------
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2008
House of Representatives,
Committee on Science,
Washington, DC.
The Committee met, pursuant to call, at 10:06 a.m., in Room
2318 of the Rayburn House Office Building, Hon. Bart Gordon
[Chairman of the Committee] presiding.
Chairman Gordon. The Committee will come to order pursuant
to notice the Committee on Science and Technology meets to
consider the following measures: H.R. 4847, the United States
Fire Administration Reauthorization Act of 2007; H.R. 5161, the
Green Transportation Infrastructure Research and Technology
Transfer Act; and H.R. 3916, To provide for the next generation
of border and maritime security technologies.
I would like to welcome everyone to this morning's markup,
the first Full Committee markup of 2008. Today we will consider
the three bills reported out of the Technology and Innovation
Subcommittee with unanimous support. These three bills deal
with public safety, improving the environment and border
security, addressing some of the Nation's most pressing issues.
H.R. 4847, introduced by the Vice Chair of the
Subcommittee, Representative Mitchell, and co-sponsored by the
Subcommittee Ranking Member Gingrey, reauthorizes the U.S. Fire
Administration.
The U.S. Fire Administration is an important resource for
our nation's firefighters, providing training, fire safety
awareness for the public, data collection, and R&D on fire
suppression and prevention research and technology.
This important bill will help ensure the continued success
of the USFA in its mission to protect lives and property from
fire.
We will also consider H.R. 5161, the Green Transportation
Infrastructure Research and Technology Transfer Act, introduced
by Chairman Wu.
This bipartisan bill supports the development and use of
green technology to protect our nation's water supply through
innovative technologies and materials that can be integrated
into transportation infrastructure such as roads and parking
lots. By filtering stormwater and slowing runoff, green
infrastructure mitigates pollution while saving money and
energy.
The bill builds upon the good work going on now in the
Department of Transportation to promote green infrastructure
widespread use.
Finally, H.R. 3916, introduced by Ranking Member Hall,
authorizes programs at the Department of Homeland Security to
improve technology used to protect the Nation's borders and
ports of entry.
Border Patrol agents are responsible for securing nearly
7,000 miles of land borders to the north and south, as well as
95,000 miles of shoreline. Technology can play a vital role in
extending observational capabilities, helping Border Patrol
agents locate suspects, and monitor the border more
efficiently.
Mr. Hall's bill authorizes important programs to enhance
the Border Patrol's ability to carry out its mission by
supporting short- and long-term research priorities. It also
ensures that new technologies will be useful to Border Patrol
agents by mandating that DHS work to meet cost and training
needs to end-users when developing these technologies.
I want to commend the T&I Subcommittee for bringing these
issues to the Committee's attention. All three of these bills
were developed via a regular order process of identifying the
problem, holding a hearing, and then developing legislation.
I strongly support each of these bills and look forward to
working with my colleagues on the Committee to advance this
important legislation.
[The prepared statement of Chairman Gordon follows:]
Prepared Statement of Chairman Bart Gordon
Full Committee Mark-Up:
H.R. 4847, the United States Fire Administration
Reauthorization Act of 2007;
H.R. 5161, the Green Transportation Infrastructure Research
and Technology Transfer Act;
H.R. 3916, To provide for the next generation of border and
maritime security technologies
I'd like to welcome everyone to this morning's markup, the first
Full Committee markup of 2008.
Today we will consider three bills reported out of the Technology
and Innovation Subcommittee with unanimous support. These three bills
deal with public safety, improving the environment and border
security--addressing some of the Nation's most pressing issues.
H.R. 4847, introduced by the Vice Chair of the Subcommittee,
Representative Mitchell, and co-sponsored by Subcommittee Ranking
Member Gingrey, reauthorizes the U.S. Fire Administration. The U.S.
Fire Administration is an important resource for our nation's
firefighters, providing training, fire safety awareness for the public,
data collection, and R&D on fire suppression and prevention research
and technology. This important bill will help ensure the continued
success of the USFA in its mission to protect lives and property from
fire.
We will also consider H.R. 5161, the Green Transportation
Infrastructure Research and Technology Transfer Act, introduced by
Chairman Wu. This bipartisan bill supports the development and use of
green technology to protect our nation's water supply through
innovative techniques and materials that can be integrated into
transportation infrastructure such as roads and parking lots. By
filtering stormwater and slowing runoff, green infrastructure mitigates
pollution while saving money and energy. This bill builds upon the good
work going on at the Department of Transportation to promote green
infrastructure's widespread use.
Finally, H.R. 3916, introduced by Ranking Member Hall, authorizes
programs at the Department of Homeland Security to improve the
technology used to protect the Nation's borders and ports of entry.
Border Patrol agents are responsible for securing nearly seven thousand
miles of land borders to the North and South, as well as ninety-five
thousand miles of shoreline. While our current corps of Border Patrol
agents is doing a commendable job, their job is daunting. Technology
can play a vital role in extending observational capabilities, helping
Border Patrol agents locate suspects and monitor the border more
effectively.
Mr. Hall's bill authorizes important programs to enhance the Border
Patrol's ability to carry out its mission by supporting short- and
long-term research priorities. It also ensures that new technologies
will be useful to Border Patrol agents by mandating that DHS work to
meet cost and training needs of end-users when developing these
technologies.
I want to commend the T&I Subcommittee for bringing these issues to
the Committee's attention. All three of these bills were developed via
a regular order process of identifying the problem, holding a hearing,
and then developing legislation.
I strongly support each of these bills, and look forward to working
with my colleagues on the Committee to advance this important
legislation.
Chairman Gordon. I now recognize Mr. Hall to present
opening remarks.
Mr. Hall. I thank you, Chairman Gordon. I am looking
forward to a productive start for the Committee in this second
session of the 110th Congress.
Today the Full Committee is considering three bills
previously considered by the Technology and Innovation
Subcommittee. As you have said to begin with, we will be
considering the reauthorization for the United States Fire
Administration. USFA provides critical support to our nation's
firefighters through training, through research and
development, and logistical support. This is an extremely
important agency in this committee's jurisdiction, and I would
like to thank Mr. Mitchell and Dr. Gingrey for their hard work
over the past few months on this matter.
Now, we will be considering Mr. Wu's Green Transportation
Infrastructure Bill, which provides funding for the Department
of Transportation's University Transportation Centers to
examine and hopefully implement technologies that significantly
reduce non-point source water pollution from our roadways and
other paved surfaces.
Finally, H.R. 3916, a bill near and dear to me, focuses on
the technology needs for the Border Patrol and the U.S. Coast
Guard. I started writing this bill last year in response to a
real need to develop and employ next generation technologies to
help secure our border. I am pleased that many Members of the
Committee on both sides of the aisle have co-sponsored this
bill, and I would like to thank all of you for supporting my
bill. I thank you, Chairman Gordon, specifically for your
support and guidance.
These are all significant pieces of legislation that the
Committee can be proud of advancing. I look forward to working
with Chairman Gordon to insure that these bills continue to
progress through their other committee referrals and onto the
House Floor.
I yield back.
[The prepared statement of Mr. Hall follows:]
Prepared Statement of Representative Ralph M. Hall
Thank you Chairman Gordon, I'm looking forward to a productive
start for the Committee in this second session of the 110th Congress.
Today the Full Committee is considering three bills previously
considered by the Technology and Innovation Subcommittee. To begin
we'll be considering the reauthorization for the United States Fire
Administration (USFA). USFA provides critical support to our nation's
firefighters through training, research and development, and logistical
support. This is an extremely important agency in this committee's
jurisdiction and I'd like to thank Mr. Mitchell and Dr. Gingrey for
their hard work over the past few months on this matter.
Next we'll be considering Mr. Wu's green transportation
infrastructure bill, which provides funding for the Department of
Transportation's University Transportation Centers to examine and
hopefully implement technologies that significantly reduce non-point
source water pollution from our roadways and other paved surfaces.
Finally, H.R. 3916, a bill near and dear to me, focuses on the
technology needs of the Border Patrol and U.S. Coast Guard. I began
writing this bill last year in response to a real need to develop and
employ next generation technologies to help secure our border. I'm
pleased that many Members of this committee on both sides of the aisle
have co-sponsored the bill and I'd like to thank all of you for
supporting my bill.
These are all significant pieces of legislation that the Committee
can be proud of advancing. I look forward to working with Chairman
Gordon to ensure that these bills continue to progress through their
other Committee referrals and onto the House Floor.
Chairman Gordon. Thank you, Mr. Hall. You can be assured
that we will all be working together to see these bills go to
the Floor and then find a way to the Senate.
We will now consider H.R. 4847, the United States Fire
Administration Reauthorization Act of 2007. I yield Mr.
Mitchell five minutes to describe his bill.
Mr. Mitchell. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I am very pleased
that the Committee is marking up H.R. 4847 to reauthorize the
U.S. Fire Administration. This bill was introduced by myself
and the Ranking Member of the Technology and Innovation
Subcommittee, Dr. Phil Gingrey. The Fire Service provides
critical assistance in protecting our communities in emergency
events. From house fires to terrorist events to tornadoes,
firefighters are generally the first on the scene and the last
to leave.
However, fire continues to be a major problem in the U.S.
Although fire-related deaths and injuries have been reduced
significantly since the Fire Administration's creation in the
early 1970s, over 3,000 Americans a year still die in fires and
many more are injured. There are also $11 billion in annual
direct property losses caused by fires.
The U.S. Fire Administration is an invaluable resource for
the thousands of firefighters and emergency personnel around
the country. Through training, educational materials, data
collection, and other services, USFA provides tools and
leadership to the fire service and the communities they serve.
H.R. 4847 reauthorizes this important agency for four years
at the funding levels consistent for USFA to fully carry out
its mission. It also addresses a number of priorities that
members of the fire service community raised to the Technology
and Innovation Subcommittee at a hearing last fall.
This legislation authorizes USFA to focus its resources on
pressing challenges for today's first responders like fighting
fires in the wildland-urban interface and responding to
incidents involving hazardous materials. It directs USFA to
improve the National Fire Incident Reporting System which
provides important data on fire events to policy-makers at all
levels of government.
This bill also addresses a very serious issue for the fire
service, and that is firefighter health and safety. As we heard
at the hearing last October, every year over 100 firefighters
die in the line of duty. USFA has shown strong leadership in
promoting firefighter health and safety. H.R. 4847 directs the
USFA Administrator to continue this leadership by educating
local fire departments on national voluntary consensus
standards for firefighter health and safety and encouraging
communities to adopt these standards.
This legislation is the product of bipartisan collaboration
and considerable input from the fire service community. Two
weeks ago the Technology and Innovation Subcommittee
unanimously reported this bill favorably. The resources and
leadership of the USFA are an essential part of the ability of
the fire service to protect our cities, towns, and communities,
and I urge all my colleagues to support this bipartisan bill.
And I yield back.
[The prepared statement of Mr. Mitchell follows:]
Prepared Statement of Representative Harry E. Mitchell
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I'm very pleased that the Committee is
marking up H.R. 4847, to reauthorize the U.S. Fire Administration. This
bill was introduced by myself and the Ranking Member of the Technology
an Innovation Subcommittee, Dr. Phil Gingrey.
The fire service provides critical assistance in protecting our
communities in emergency events. From house fires to terrorist events
to tornadoes, firefighters are general the first on the scene and the
last to leave.
However, fire continues to be a major problem in the U.S. Although
fire-related deaths and injuries have been reduced significantly since
the Fire Administration's creation in the early 1970s, over 3,000
Americans a year still die in fires and many more are injured. There
are also $11 billion in annual direct property losses cause by fires.
The U.S. Fire Administration is an invaluable resource for the
thousands of firefighters and emergency personnel around the country.
Through training, educational materials, data collection, and other
services, USFA provides tools and leadership to the fire service and
the communities they serve.
H.R. 4847 reauthorizes this important agency for four years at
funding levels consistent for USFA to fully carry out its mission. It
also addresses a number of priorities that members of the fire service
community raised to the Technology and Innovation Subcommittee at a
hearing last fall.
This legislation authorizes USFA to focus its resources on pressing
challenges for today's first responders, like fighting fires in the
wildland-urban interface and responding to incidents involving
hazardous materials. It directs USFA to improve the National Fire
Incident Reporting System, which provides important data on fire events
to policy-makers at all levels of government.
This bill also addresses a very serious issue for the fire
service--firefighter health and safety. As we heard at the hearing last
October, every year over 100 firefighters die in the line of duty. USFA
has shown strong leadership in promoting firefighter health and safety.
H.R. 4847 directs the USFA Administrator to continue this leadership by
educating local fire departments on national voluntary consensus
standards for firefighter health and safety and encouraging communities
to adopt these standards.
This legislation is the product of bipartisan collaboration and
considerable input from the fire service community. Two weeks ago, the
Technology and Innovation Subcommittee unanimously reported this bill
favorably. The resources and leadership of USFA are an essential part
of the ability of the fires service to protect our cities, towns, and
communities, and I urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan bill.
Chairman Gordon. Mr. Hall is recognized for any remarks he
might have.
Mr. Hall. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and I am pleased, of
course, the Committee held a hearing on this bill and took the
time to consult with both sides as you did and as you have
done. I yield the balance of my time to Dr. Gingrey to speak on
the bill.
Mr. Gingrey. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for
yielding his time, and I thank you as well.
As the lead Republican sponsor of the legislation, I would
like to commend my colleague from Arizona, Mr. Mitchell, for
bringing forward this legislation to reauthorize the United
States Fire Administration. I am very pleased that we have
worked in a bipartisan manner over the past few months to
prepare the bill that we have before us today.
Mr. Chairman, I am also pleased that this bill has also
gone through the regular order process. In October the
Technology and Innovation Subcommittee held a hearing on the
reauthorization of USFA, and just three weeks ago H.R. 4847 was
unanimously reported back to the Full Committee from the
Technology and Innovation Subcommittee chaired by Chairman Wu.
The mission of USFA is the reduce life and economic losses
due to fire and related emergencies through leadership,
advocacy coordination and support. This organization provides
vital assistance in the areas of training, fire education, and
awareness and awards grants to a number of local fire
departments across the country. These activities have made a
substantial impact over the last 30 years as the gentleman from
Arizona has just pointed out.
Mr. Chairman, it is important to note that, because of the
work of the USFA, smoke alarms are now standard issue in
residences across the country. Over a million firefighters have
received advanced training and firefighter equipment and safety
continues to improve. USFA should be proud of its record of
achievement; however, it is also clear that improvements can
still be made. In the last 10 years deaths related to fires
have decreased by approximately 25 percent from nearly 5,000 in
1996, to 3,675 in 2006.
Although that decrease in fire-related deaths is
commendable, the United States still has one of the highest
death rates from fire in the industrialized world.
Additionally, Mr. Chairman, despite the decreases in the number
of fires, direct damage costs are increasing and have surpassed
10 billion, that is with a B, $10 billion per year. Put it
another way, in an average year fire causes as much damage in
the United States as do hurricanes.
The reauthorization of USFA will allow the agency to
continue to improve our preparedness and reduce our
vulnerability to fire. Unfortunately, Mr. Chairman, last year
we saw wildfires that ravaged southern California and the need
to develop a more cohesive way of combating these fires. I am
happy to see this legislation specifically addresses the issue
of fighting fires in an urban-wildland interface by
implementing methods to better respond and prepare for fires
that move from wildlands to suburban and our urban areas, our
cities.
The current bill is important and well crafted to step
forward for USFA. I want to urge all of my colleagues on the
Committee to support the bill. Again, to thank our gentleman
from Arizona, Mr. Mitchell, and with that, Mr. Chairman, I
yield back the balance of my time.
[The prepared statement of Mr. Gingrey follows:]
Prepared Statement of Representative Phil Gingrey
As the lead Republican sponsor of this legislation, I would like to
commend my colleague, Mr. Mitchell from Arizona, for bringing forward
this legislation to reauthorize the U.S. Fire Administration. I am very
pleased that we have worked in a bipartisan manner over these past few
months to prepare the bill we have before us today.
Mr. Chairman, I am also pleased that this bill is also gone through
the regular order process. In October, the Technology and Innovation
Subcommittee held a hearing on the reauthorization of USFA, and just
three weeks ago, H.R. 4847 was unanimously reported back to the Full
Committee from the Technology and Innovation Subcommittee.
The mission of USFA is to ``reduce life and economic losses due to
fire and related emergencies, through leadership, advocacy,
coordination and support.'' This organization provides vital assistance
in the areas of training, fire education and awareness, and awards
grants to a number of local fire departments across the country. These
activities have made a substantial impact over the last 30 years.
Mr. Chairman, it is important to note that because of the work of
the USFA, smoke alarms are now standard issue in residences across the
country; over a million firefighters have received advanced training;
and firefighter equipment and safety continually improves.
USFA should be proud of its record of achievement. However, it's
also clear that improvements can still be made. In the last ten years,
deaths related to fires have decreased by approximately 25 percent,
from nearly 5,000 in 1996 to 3,675 in 2006. Although that decrease in
fire-related deaths is commendable, the United States still has one of
the highest death rates from fire in the industrialized world.
Additionally Mr. Chairman, despite decreases in the numbers of
fires, direct damage costs are increasing and have surpassed $10
billion per year. Put another way, in an average year, fires cause as
much damage in the United States as hurricanes. The reauthorization of
USFA will allow the agency to continue to improve our preparedness and
reduce our vulnerability to fire.
Unfortunately Mr. Chairman, last year we saw wildfires that ravaged
Southern California and the need to develop a more cohesive way of
combating these fires. I am happy to see that this legislation
specifically addresses the issue of fighting fires in an urban-wildland
interface by implementing methods to better respond and prepare for
fires that move from wildlands to suburban and urban areas.
The current bill is an important and well-crafted step forward for
USFA. I urge all of my colleagues on the Committee to support the bill.
With that Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.
Chairman Gordon. Thank you, Dr. Gingrey. Does anyone else
wish to be recognized for remarks?
Mr. Rohrabacher. Mr. Chairman.
Chairman Gordon. Mr. Rohrabacher is recognized.
Mr. Rohrabacher. Yes. Let me just congratulate the
gentleman who has worked so hard on this bill, Mr. Mitchell,
and let us note that in the past Curt Weldon, who is no longer
here, spent an awful lot of time on this issue and actually
laid the groundwork for the things that will actually bear
fruit in the future and that we are building on right now. And
so I just would like to make sure that we put Curt Weldon's
name in the record when dealing with these issues. He spent so
much time and effort as a Member of Congress on firefighting
issues.
The second thing is just a note that Boeing Aircraft
Company has recently developed new firefighting technology that
will, at low tech rather than high tech, I might add, well, a
combination of low tech and high tech, which makes any airplane
with a cargo ramp in the back, C-130s, C-17s, et cetera, makes
them capable of very effective water drops by--and this
technology uses GPS system, and it is a great promise, and I
would hope that as we move forward, the Firefighting
Administration moves forward with this next five-year
authorization, that that is one of the projects that they look
at.
So with that said, thank you very much for your leadership,
as well as the hard work of our two colleagues.
Chairman Gordon. Thank you, Mr. Rohrabacher. Anybody else
wish to be recognized?
If not, let me just also thank, as Dr. Gingrey said, going
through regular order I think that we developed a good bill
here. You know, oftentimes we don't think much about our
firefighters until we need them, and this is legislation that
affects real people. My mother grew up way out in the country.
I mean, way out in the country, and when she was a child, their
house burned, and literally it was just their lives and the
clothes on their back is all that survived.
And even today when my mother hears a fire truck or a fire
engine or a siren, she tells me that story, just like she had
never, you know, told me before. It is just like Pavlo, and it
is such, you know, it is such a traumatic experience for folks
to go through that they will never get over it.
And so we are not going to stop all the fires, but
hopefully this bill will help reduce some of those fires and
help reduce some of the trauma that folks have gone through.
So with, if no one else to be, wishes to be recognized.
Mr. Hall. The gentleman yield?
Chairman Gordon. Yes, sir, Mr. Hall.
Mr. Hall. I imagine there is a lot of us in this room that
are glad that she pulled a little old kid out of there, too,
and led him out to give us guidance and bring fineness to a
committee.
And as you said, it is kind of a shame that it took a 9/11
to make people really and truly appreciate firefighters and men
and women that protect us day and night.
Yield back.
Chairman Gordon. Thank you, Mr. Hall.
I ask unanimous consent that the bill is considered as read
and open to amendment at any point and that the Members proceed
with the amendments in the order of the roster.
Without objection, so ordered.
The first amendment on the roster is the manager's
amendment offered by the gentleman from Arizona, Mr. Mitchell.
Are you ready to proceed with your amendment?
Mr. Mitchell. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the
desk.
Chairman Gordon. The Clerk will report the amendment.
The Clerk. Amendment number 020, amendment to H.R. 4847,
offered by Mr. Mitchell of Arizona.
Chairman Gordon. I ask unanimous consent to dispense with
the reading.
Without objection, so ordered.
And I recognize the gentleman for five minutes to explain
his amendment.
Mr. Mitchell. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
I am introducing this amendment to H.R. 4847 to make minor
technical changes to the bill. The amendment also changes the
provision in Section 4 authorizing the Administrator to deliver
USFA training through qualified groups to qualified
organizations that contract with other federal agencies to
deliver training on their behalf to State and local emergency
response personnel.
And I yield back.
Chairman Gordon. Is there further discussion on the
amendment?
If not, the vote occurs on the amendment. All in favor, say
aye. Opposed, no. The ayes have it. The amendment is agreed to.
The second amendment on the roster is offered by the
gentleman from Georgia, Dr. Gingrey. Are you ready to proceed
with your amendment?
Mr. Gingrey. I am, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. Chairman, I bring forward----
Chairman Gordon. Excuse me. The Clerk will report the
amendment.
The Clerk. Amendment number 014, amendment to H.R. 4847,
offered by Mr. Gingrey of Georgia.
Chairman Gordon. If you would repeat the amendment number
so we are sure we are in the right order here.
The Clerk. Amendment number 071, amendment to H.R. 4847,
offered by Mr. Gingrey of Georgia.
Chairman Gordon. Right. Thank you very much, and I ask
unanimous consent to dispense with the reading.
Without objection, so ordered.
The gentleman is recognized for five minutes to explain his
amendment.
Mr. Gingrey. Mr. Chairman, thank you.
I bring forward today a common sense, I think, amendment
that will allow the Administrator to perform studies related to
the management of emergency medical services.
All fire departments have a significant role in pre-
hospital care, whether through in-house EMS or coordinating
with third parties. Firefighters are called upon to extract
victims from car crashes, building fires or collapses, or other
emergencies. It is critical that patients receive consistent
care under medical direction.
I do not expect the USFA to pursue studies into the medical
care EMS patients should receive. This is best left to the
medical community and other federal agencies such as NIH and
NHTSA, the National Highways Transportation Safety
Administration. But instead, Mr. Chairman, this amendment
simply seeks to give the Administrator the authority to conduct
studies into training, system design, and on-the-scene patient
management while making sure to work with appropriate federal
agencies and existing medical services in these local
communities.
Basically, Mr. Chairman, to cut to the chase, to just be
able to avoid the possibility of mass confusion at the scene of
a fire where a lot of responders are there, and we want to just
make sure that there is an appropriate hand-off so that
everybody is doing what they are best trained to do.
And with that, Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my
time.
[The prepared statement of Mr. Gingrey follows:]
Prepared Statement of Representative Phil Gingrey
Mr. Chairman, I bring forward today a common sense amendment that
will allow the Administrator to perform studies related to the
management of emergency medical services. All fire departments have a
significant role in pre-hospital care whether through in-house EMS or
coordinating with third-parties.
Firefighters are called upon to extract victims from car crashes,
building fires or collapses, or other emergencies. It is critical that
patients receive consistent care under medical direction. I do not
expect USFA to pursue studies into the medical care EMS patients should
receive; this is best left to the medical community and other federal
agencies such as the NIH and National Highway Transportation Safety
Administration (NHTSA).
Instead Mr. Chairman, this amendment simply seeks to give the
Administrator the authority to conduct studies into training, system
design, and on-scene patient management while making sure to work with
appropriate federal agencies and existing medical services in these
local communities.
Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.
Chairman Gordon. Thank you, Dr. Gingrey.
Is there further discussion on the amendment?
If no, the vote occurs on the amendment. All in favor, say
aye. Opposed, no. The ayes have it. The amendment is agreed to.
The third amendment on the roster is offered by the
gentlelady from California, Ms. Richardson. Are you ready to
proceed with your amendment?
Ms. Richardson. Yes, I am, Mr. Chairman, and I have an
amendment at the desk.
Chairman Gordon. The Clerk will report the amendment.
The Clerk. Amendment number 014, amendment to H.R. 4847,
offered by Ms. Richardson of California.
Chairman Gordon. I ask unanimous consent to dispense with
the reading.
Without objection, so ordered.
The gentlelady is recognized for five minutes to explain
the amendment.
Ms. Richardson. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Ranking Member Hall and fellow Members of the Science and
Technology Committee, this amendment that I propose before you
is very clear cut. The amendment calls for the Administrator of
the United States Fire Administration to consult and work with
the Superintendent of the National Fire Academy in order to
consolidate and integrate into the current Fire Academy
curriculum, a course on incident command training for fire
service personnel for fighting fires at ports, and also
responding to emergencies at ports and in marine environments
in general.
When we recall incidences such as Hurricanes Katrina and
Rita, the one thing we have learned is how vulnerable our
nation's 126 shipping ports can be in their reaction to a
disaster. In the aftermath of that storm, ports from Alabama to
Texas were entirely shut down and many are still recovering, as
in Port Forshun, a major supplier of gas and natural oil.
Also, I would point out to you that the key of having
integrated training, we also learned from Hurricane Katrina and
the aftermaths of 9/11, that oftentimes we are calling from
personnel in various different states. So where one particular
state may not need the expertise of responding to a port, they
may be called upon to assist in another area.
Likewise we also know how valuable our nation's ports are
in terms of the goods movement and their impact on our economy.
In some areas ports can impact the Nation's economy to as high
as a billion dollars a day that can be lost when they are shut
down.
Therefore, it goes without saying how critical it is for
our firefighters to have the ability to respond in a swift and
efficient and coordinated manner. Every second in a response
can make a difference between life or death and also the loss
of valuable goods that we all depend upon in our daily lives.
Always being mindful of creating, of being mindful of not
creating additional costs to our federal agencies and the
limited budgets that we have, this amendment creates no new
costs for the United States Fire Administration. In fact, this
is not a new stand-alone course, but it allows for valuable
lessons to be taught and learned that will be implemented in
already existing courses at the Fire Academy.
More importantly, this amendment grants the Administrator
and the Superintendent the discretion to determine how they
will integrate this course into already-existing courses. This
amendment provides for two years to implement this course so
that there will be ample time for the Fire Academy to develop
and deliver to our brave men and women the necessary
instruction on how to respond to an emergency, if necessary, at
our nation's ports.
I want to thank my colleagues on the other side of the
aisle, Mr. Bartlett, for his kind co-sponsorship and support,
Mr. Rohrabacher's ongoing partnership as we work together in
our neighborhoods, and I would also like to thank the Science
and Technology staff, in particular, Meghan Housewright, for
all of her hard work. And I would also be remiss not to
acknowledge representatives from the United States Fire
Administration who worked with us on this effort.
In closing, Mr. Chairman, thank you for your support of
this amendment, and it is straightforward as I have laid out.
It is essential for the readiness of our men and women that we
have an opportunity to learn from lessons across this country.
It is vital that we provide them with that support and we
protect our nation's economy.
I yield back the remainder of my time.
[The prepared statement of Ms. Richardson follows:]
Prepared Statement of Representative Laura Richardson
Mr. Chairman, Ranking Member Hall and fellow Members of the Science
and Technology Committee, the amendment proposed before you is clear
cut. The amendment calls on the Administrator of the United States Fire
Administration, to consult and work with the Superintendent of the
National Fire Academy, in order to consolidate and integrate into the
current Fire Academy curriculum a course on incident command training
for fire service personnel for fighting fires at ports, and responding
to emergencies at ports and marine environments in general. When we
recall incidents such as Hurricane Katrina, the one thing that we have
learned is how vulnerable our nation's 126 shipping ports can be in
reaction to a disaster. In the aftermath of that storm, ports from
Alabama to Texas were entirely shut down and many are still trying to
recover, like Port Fourchon, a major supplier of gas and natural oil.
Likewise, we all know how valuable our nation's ports are to the
movement of goods, and thus, the general health of our economy. In some
areas the shutdown of ports can impact the national economy to as high
as $1 billion dollars a day. Therefore it goes without saying how
crucial it is for our firefighters to have the ability to respond in a
swift, efficient, and coordinated manner. Every second in response can
make the difference between life or death, and the lost of valuable
goods that we all depend on upon in our daily lives.
Always mindful of creating additional cost for any federal agency
working with a limited budget, this amendment creates no new cost for
the United States Fire Administration. This is not a new stand alone
course, but the valuable lessons to be taught and learned will be
implemented into the already existing courses at the Fire Academy. More
importantly, this amendment grants the Administrator and the
Superintendent the discretion to determine how they will integrate this
course into already existing courses. This amendment provides two years
to implement this course so there will be ample time for the Fire
Academy to develop and deliver to our brave men and women the necessary
instruction on how to respond to an emergency, if necessary, at our
nation's ports. I want to thank my colleague on the other side of the
aisle, Mr. Bartlett for his co-sponsorship support, and Mr.
Rohrabacher's for his partnership on all matters related to the port.
Mr. Rohrabacher was a co-sponsor of my resolution honoring the port of
Los Angeles, and I look forward to working with him on future
legislation. I would like to thank the Science and Technology staff, in
particular Meghan Housewright for all of her hard-work, and I would be
remiss if I did not thank Chairman Gordon for his support of my
amendment. This amendment is straightforward, it is essential to our
readiness and ability to respond to man made and natural disasters, it
is vital to the steady movement of goods, and I encourage my colleagues
to support it. Thank you Mr. Chairman, I yield back my time.
Chairman Gordon. Thank you, Ms. Richardson. I know you had
a particular interest and passion in this bill, and your input
helped make it a better bill. Thank you not only for the
amendment but also the earlier work on the core bill.
Is there further discussion on the amendment?
Mr. Rohrabacher. Mr. Chairman.
Chairman Gordon. Mr. Rohrabacher is recognized.
Mr. Rohrabacher. I would like to commend my colleague, Ms.
Richardson, for the job that she has done on this amendment. It
obviously is a really an important amendment and covering an
issue of great significance.
Fires at our port areas that can be not only threatening to
life, but are tremendously threatening to our economy. An out-
of-control fire at a port can cripple an economy. We have had
slowdowns and problems at our ports that cost billions of
dollars to the American economy, and this low-cost preventative
measure that she is offering could yield great results for us
in the future, and I commend her for her hard work on this
amendment, and of course, totally support it.
Chairman Gordon. Thank you, Mr. Rohrabacher.
Any further discussion?
Mr. Bartlett. Mr. Chairman.
Chairman Gordon. Mr. Bartlett is recognized.
Mr. Bartlett. I am honored to have the National Fire
Academy in my district, and I go there a couple of times each
year for very impressive ceremonies, and I am very pleased that
our committee has a large role to play in support of this very
important institution. Thank you.
Chairman Gordon. Is there further discussion?
Dr. Gingrey is recognized.
Mr. Gingrey. Mr. Chairman, thank you, and I, too, want to
commend the gentlelady from California who I know has the port
of Long Beach in her district, and there are many other ports.
Mr. Rohrabacher. Would the gentleman yield?
Mr. Gingrey. I will be glad to yield to my friend.
Mr. Rohrabacher. You are close. It is my district, but we
share it.
Mr. Gingrey. That is right. That is right. You, I think
you, Mr. Rohrabacher, you serve outside some of those ports but
I am glad to be supportive of our colleagues from California.
And, indeed, it is not just her district or his district that
is so important in regard to ports. There are 300 or more ports
across the country and including two in my great State of
Georgia, the port of Savannah and the port of Brunswick, and I
am sure the Georgia Ports Authority would be supportive of this
amendment that the gentlewoman is bringing forward.
But I do have some concerns. I worry that the current
language of the amendment may shift scarce resources from
higher-priority needs in order to fund course development in
this particular area.
Mr. Chairman, the USFA is consistently funding, as we all
know, below the authorized levels, and I believe the Committee
should resist the urge to micro-manage these limited funds
unless absolutely essential. I am not saying that this is not
absolutely essential, by the way, but additionally, I think
that before implementing this amendment, hopefully the USFA
needs to have a more complete understanding of the needs and
current training protocols of marine firefighting. I mean, it
is very possible that we are already doing a lot of that in the
current curriculum.
USFA should have the discretion, I think, to utilize their
limited resources to best serve the needs of the 1.3 million
firefighters across this country.
For example, Mr. Chairman, one specific need outlined in
this legislation is the necessity for better urban-wildland
interface firefighting. So I hope that the USFA will have the
discretion to implement this amendment, Ms. Richardson's
amendment, as it sees fit to best address this issue within the
context of its greater role supporting the most pressing needs
of firefighters across the country.
And Mr. Chairman, as I say, I am supportive of the
gentlewoman's amendment. I know she has worked very hard, and
it is extremely important, and I yield back the balance of my
time.
[The prepared statement of Mr. Gingrey follows:]
Prepared Statement of Representative Phil Gingrey
Mr. Chairman, while I am sympathetic to my colleague from
California's real concern about the difficulty in fighting fires in
commercial ports and the potential for catastrophic economic and
environmental consequences, I worry that the current language of the
amendment may shift scarce resources from higher priority needs in
order to fund course development in this area.
Mr. Chairman, the USFA is consistently funded below the authorized
level and I believe the Committee should resist the urge to micro-
manage the limited funds available.
Additionally, I think that before implementing this amendment, the
USFA needs to have a more complete understanding of the needs and
current training protocols of marine firefighting. USFA should have the
discretion to utilize their limited resources to best serve the needs
of the 1.3 million firefighters across our nation.
For example Mr. Chairman, one specific need outlined in this
legislation is the necessity for better urban-wildland interface
firefighting.
I hope that the USFA will have the discretion to implement this
amendment as it sees fit to best address this issue within the context
of its greater role supporting the most pressing needs of firefighters
across the country.
Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.
Chairman Gordon. Thank you, Mr. Gingrey, and obviously your
concerns will be part of the record.
Is there further discussion?
Ms. Richardson. Mr. Chairman, may I respond very briefly?
Chairman Gordon. The gentlelady from California is
recognized, Ms. Richardson.
Ms. Richardson. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, Mr.
Gingrey, for expressing your concerns, and I am happy that you
shared them because it gave me another opportunity to make sure
we are very clear.
First of all, we met with the USFA several times and had
the discussions, and it is my understanding they are in support
of this amendment as proposed. We did have other options, but
for several reasons why, I think it addressed your concerns.
Number one, the USFA is given the full discretion in
conjunction with the Superintendent. Number two, they do have
two years to implement this. They have plenty of time to
implement it into the curriculum with the normal printing, et
cetera, not to increase any costs. Further, it is very clear
according to the amendment that this is to be incorporated into
existing courses. So there is no additional courses or time or
anything of that matter.
So, thank you for your support of this amendment, and I
look forward to working with you on its implementation.
Chairman Gordon. It is my understanding from all involved
that Ms. Richardson spent a great deal of time massaging this
issue and trying to get it right in consultation with all those
involved, and that the final product is, I would say, a hybrid
improvement of the way things started, and that is why you have
regular order.
Is there further discussion?
If no, the vote occurs on the amendment. All in favor, say
aye. Opposed, no. The ayes have it. The amendment is agreed to.
Are there other amendments?
If no, then the vote occurs on the bill, H.R. 4847, as
amended. All those in favor will say aye. Opposed, no. And in
the opinion of the Chair the ayes have it.
I now recognize Mr. Baird to offer a motion.
Mr. Baird. Mr. Chairman, I move that the Committee
favorably report H.R. 4847, as amended, to the House with the
recommendation that the bill do pass. Furthermore, I move that
the staff be instructed to prepare the legislative report and
make necessary technical and conforming changes, and that the
Chairman take all necessary steps to bring the bill before the
House for consideration.
Chairman Gordon. The question is on the motion to report
the bill favorably. Those in favor of the motion will signify
by saying aye. Opposed, no. The ayes have it. The bill is
favorably reported.
Without objection, the motion to table is reconsidered and
laid upon the table. Members will have two subsequent calendar
days in which to submit supplemental, Minority, or additional
views on the measure, ending Monday, March the 3rd, at 9:00
a.m.
I move pursuant to Clause 1 of Rule 22 of the Rules of the
House of Representatives that the Committee authorize the
Chairman to offer such motions as may be necessary in the House
to adopt and pass H.R. 4847, the United States Fire
Administration Reauthorization Act of 2007, as amended.
Without objection, so ordered.
Let me thank the Members for coming back from the last
vote. This was an important bill, and I appreciate your
attendance. I want to thank the staff for the hard work that
they have put in and the good work on doing this. I think we
did a good day's work today, and I thank everyone.
The meeting is adjourned.
[Whereupon, at 11:32 a.m., the Committee was adjourned.]
Appendix:
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Subcommittee Markup Report, H.R. 4847 as amended, Amendment Roster
COMMITTEE ON SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
SUBCOMMITTEE ON TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION
REPORT FROM SUBCOMMITTEE MARKUP
FEBRUARY 7, 2008
H.R. 4847, the United States Fire Administration
Reauthorization Act of 2007
I. Purpose
The purpose of this bill is to authorize appropriations for fiscal
years 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012 for the U.S. Fire Administration
(USFA), and to authorize USFA's activities in training, fire education
and awareness, data collection, research, and standards development and
promotion.
II. Background and Need for Legislation
USFA is housed within the Federal Emergency Management
Administration at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). It was
created by the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974 (P.L.
93-498). The agency's mission is to reduce the incidents of fire and
fire-related deaths, injuries, and property damage in the U.S., and to
better prepare the Nation's fire service as the primary local emergency
responders. To accomplish its mission, USFA engages in the following
core activities: public fire education and awareness programs;
firefighter and emergency responder training delivery and curriculum
development; fire-focused applied research and technology development;
data collection through the National Fire Data Center; and logistical
and programmatic support for DHS grants to firefighters under the
Assistance to Firefighters Grants program and the Staffing for Adequate
Fire and Emergency Response grants program.
USFA's stated goal, upon its establishment in 1974, was to reduce
fire-related fatalities in the Nation by half--bringing the number to
approximately six thousand per year within a generation. The agency met
this goal by 1988, and these numbers continue to decline. However,
according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) the U.S.
still has one of the highest rates of death, injury, and property loss
due to fire among all industrialized nations. NFPA reports that in 2006
there were 3,245 civilian fire deaths, 16,400 fire injuries, and an
estimated $11.307 billion in direct property losses due to fire. They
estimate that the fire fatality rate is 14.8 per million. USFA also
reports that every year, an average of 100 firefighters die in the line
of duty. The agency works to reduce these statistics, as well as help
firefighters prepare for the growing number of hazards and emergencies
calling for firefighter response.
III. Subcommittee Actions
The Subcommittee on Technology and Innovation heard testimony in
the 110th Congress relevant to the programs authorized in H.R. 4847 at
a hearing held on October 2, 2007. During this hearing, the
Subcommittee heard testimony from the Director of the U.S. Fire
Administration, the Director of the National Institute of Standards and
Technology's Building and Fire Research Laboratory, and four outside
witnesses representing different sectors of the Nation's fire service
community.
On December 19 2007, Representative Harry Mitchell, Vice Chairman
of the Subcommittee on Technology and Innovation of the Committee on
Science and Technology, for himself and Representative Phil Gingrey,
Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Technology and Innovation,
introduced H.R. 4847, the U.S. Fire Administration Reauthorization Act
of 2007, a bill to authorize appropriations for fiscal years 2009,
2010, 2011, and 2012 for the U.S. Fire Administration, and for other
purposes.
The Subcommittee on Technology and Innovation met to consider H.R.
4847 on Thursday, February 15, 2008 and considered the following
amendment to the bill:
Mr. Mitchell offered a manager's amendment to change references in
the bill to ``voluntary national consensus standards'' to ``national
voluntary consensus standards'' which is the preferred term, and to
make a technical change to subsection (c) of section 4.
Mr. Gingrey moved that the Subcommittee favorably report the bill,
H.R. 4847, as amended, to the Full Committee. The motion was agreed to
by a voice vote.
IV. Summary of Major Provisions of the Bill
H.R. 4847 authorizes $292 million for the U.S. Fire Administration
for fiscal years 2009-2012. It also authorizes the National Fire
Academy to engage in training activities related to firefighting in the
wildland-urban interface; multiple, large-scale fires that cross
jurisdictions and stretch resources; hazardous material incidents;
advanced topics in emergency medical services. The bill would allow the
Administrator to enter into contracts with qualified, third-party
organizations to deliver USFA training to State and local entities, and
the bill requires USFA, in every third annual report to Congress, to
detail any changes made to the Fire Academy curriculum the curriculum,
as well as the rational and objectives for those changes. H.R. 4847
authorizes the Administrator to spend up to $5 million over three years
to update and improve the National Fire Incident Reporting System to
allow real-time, web-based reporting, that will provide to users in a
more timely and efficient manner. The bill requires USFA to keep an
updated website of past and present research projects, and requires the
Administrator to promote the adoption of national voluntary consensus
standards for firefighter health and safety among local departments and
to educate local departments about these standards. Lastly, H.R. 4847
requires the Administrator to include emergency medical services in his
liaison and coordination activities across the Federal Government.
V. Section-by-Section Analysis of the Bill, as reported by the
Subcommittee
SEC. 1. SHORT TITLE
``The United States Fire Administration Reauthorization Act of
2007''
SEC. 2. FINDINGS
Finds that the rate of life and property loss due to fire in the
U.S. is still one of the highest in the industrialized world and that a
significant number of firefighters die or suffer injury each year.
Finds that USFA provides vital resources and leadership to the Nation's
fire service and should have a prominent voice at the Department of
Homeland Security.
SEC. 3. AUTHORIZATIONS OF APPROPRIATIONS
Authorizes appropriations: $70,000,000 for FY 2009; $72,100,000 for
FY 2010; $74,263,000 for FY 2011; and $76,490,890 for FY 2012. Each
fiscal year, 3.6 percent of the funds authorized are authorized to be
used to carry out fire technology research and related activities.
SEC. 4. NATIONAL FIRE ACADEMY TRAINING PROGRAM MODIFICATIONS AND
REPORTS
Amends the list of training activities the National Fire Academy
(NFA) is authorized to engage in by broadening authorized NFA training
activities from terrorism specific to all-hazard; authorize training
for response to large-scale fire events that involve multiple
jurisdictions and stretch resources; authorize training for
firefighting activities in the wildland-urban interface; authorize
training for hazmat firefighting; and authorize training for advanced
issues related to emergency medical services.
Requires the Administrator to include a description of any changes
to the NFA curriculum in every third USFA yearly report to Congress.
Authorizes the Administrator to enter into contracts to provide on-
site training through accredited or otherwise qualified organizations
experienced with delivering such training.
SEC. 5. NATIONAL FIRE INCIDENT REPORTING SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS
Authorizes the Administrator to use a maximum of $5 million dollars
from the total appropriated over the years FY 2009 to FY 2011 to
upgrade NFIRS.
SEC. 6. FIRE TECHNOLOGY ASSISTANCE AND RESEARCH DISSEMINATION
Authorizes USFA to engage in research related to technologies,
techniques, approaches, etc., to address fire suppression and
prevention for fires in the wildland-urban interface.
Requires USFA to maintain a web database of these activities.
SEC. 7. ENCOURAGING THE ADOPTION OF STANDARDS FOR FIREFIGHTER HEALTH
AND SAFETY
Directs the Administrator to promote the adoption of national
voluntary consensus standards for firefighter health and safety by
educating the fire service, encouraging their adoption at all levels of
government and making recommendations on other ways the Federal
Government can encourage State, local, and federal fire agencies to
comply with these standards.
SEC. 8. COORDINATION ON FIRE SERVICE-BASED EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES
Amends Section 21(e) of the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act
of 1974 by directing the Administrator to include fire service-based
emergency medical services in his liaison and coordination activities
across the Federal Government.
SEC. 9. DEFINITIONS
Defines wildland-urban interface and hazardous materials.