Rep. Payne, Jr.’s Bill to Support First Responders Passes U.S. House of Representatives

Washington, D.C. — Rep. Donald M. Payne, Jr.’s bill to support first responders passed the U.S. House of Representatives today.  His bill, the First Responder Access to Innovative Technologies Act or H.R. 3254, amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 and directs the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to exempt emergency equipment with breakthrough technologies from a cumbersome approval process.  Specifically, it would create a consistent standard for grant applications to allow communities to obtain this equipment faster to keep communities safer.

“This bill will allow our first responders to use the most modern equipment to help communities and save lives,” said Rep. Donald M. Payne, Jr.  “First responders were critical to our national security and well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic when thousands of them stayed on the job to provide essential services.  Now that the pandemic has resided, they are still making tremendous sacrifices to be on the front lines.  We need to make sure they have the most modern equipment available to do their jobs effectively.  I am proud that my bill passed the U.S. House of Representatives and thank my colleagues for supporting it.”

Rep. Bennie Thompson, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, praised Rep. Payne, Jr. for his work to pass this important bill.

“I congratulate Congressman Payne, Jr. on getting his legislation passed in the House to ensure there is a streamlined process at FEMA for first responders seeking DHS grants for purchasing new technologies,” said Rep. Bennie Thompson.  “As someone who served in my community for 27 years as a volunteer firefighter, I commend him for authoring this legislation to help first responders access the tools to carry out their mission safely and effectively.”

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