Problem Solvers Caucus Endorses Bipartisan Legislation to Secure Federal Firefighters Benefits for Diseases Contracted in the Line of Duty

WASHINGTON, DC– The Problem Solvers Caucus endorsed the Federal Firefighter Fairness Act of 2021, bipartisan legislation that would ensure federal firefighters receive the same access to job-related disability and retirement benefits as state, county, and municipal firefighters. Federal firefighters are regularly exposed to injury and disease while protecting national interests, such as military installations, VA hospitals, and national parks. 

To receive disability benefits under current federal law, federal firefighters must pinpoint the precise incident or exposure that caused a disease for it to be considered job-related. The Federal Firefighter Fairness Act of 2021 would classify a range of illnesses – like lung diseases and certain cancers – as “job-related,” making them automatically eligible for federal workers’ compensation and disability retirement benefits.

Supporters of the bill include the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) and the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE). Representatives Salud Carbajal (CA-24) and Bill Johnson (OH-06) brought the legislation for endorsement, which garnered the support of more than 75 percent of the Caucus.

Read the full text here. 

“We must always get the backs of those who’ve bravely had ours, and our nation’s brave firefighters run toward danger every day, when others run out,” said Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chair Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), a member of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus. “With the Problem Solvers Caucus endorsing this critical bipartisan legislation, we are working across the aisle to fight for those heroic men and women, and to ensure they get the support they deserve for putting their lives and safety at risk.”

“Our federal firefighters put their lives on the line each day to serve communities and protect wildlands across the nation,” said Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chair Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01). “Federal fighters who suffer from deadly cancer and disease caused by their line of work should have access to the same disability and retirement benefits as fellow firefighters serving on the state and local level.”

Rep. Salud Carbajal (CA-24) said, “I thank my bipartisan colleagues in the Problem Solvers Caucus for endorsing my bill, the Federal Firefighters Fairness Act. As scientists predict that wildfires will continue to increase in frequency and severity, it is more important than ever that Congress grant federal firefighters the same health and disability benefits that their local and state counterparts receive. I will continue to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to ensure that this important piece of legislation is finally enacted into law.” 

“I’m thankful to my Problem Solvers colleagues for supporting this legislation, which would create the presumption that federal firefighters who become disabled by serious diseases – including heart and lung disease, certain forms of cancer, and other infectious diseases – have contracted them through their hard work responding to emergencies as firefighters. Almost every state already recognizes the link between certain serious diseases and the occupational hazards of firefighting, and have enacted presumptive illness laws to address the issue. It’s past time for these brave men and women federal firefighters to receive the same access to disability and retirement benefits as other firefighters who have contracted these diseases and conditions through their heroic work to keep our communities safe,” said Rep. Bill Johnson (OH-06). 

“Our nation’s firefighters, paramedics, and other rescue crews put their lives on the line and constantly expose themselves to toxic substances and deadly fumes,” said Rep. Don Bacon (NE-02). “Creating the presumption that those who became disabled from serious diseases contracted the illness while serving in fire protection activities, ensures these emergency first responders will receive treatment and benefits that would normally not be covered. I stand by this mission and will help get this over the finish line.”

“Firefighters are exposed to countless hazards on the job, including toxic chemicals and carcinogens,” said Rep. Andrew Garbarino (NY-02). “These silent dangers can cause heart disease, lung disease, and cancers years after exposure. Easing the burden of medical costs for these heroes is the very least we can do. I’m proud to cosponsor this bill to provide federal workers' compensation to firefighters who fall ill as a result of their service.”