House Committee Approves
First Responder Legislation
March 26, 2004 - The House Select Committee on Homeland
Security March 18 unanimously approved the "Faster and
Smarter Funding for First Responders Act of 2003" (H.R.
3266). The bill now awaits action by the House Energy
and Commerce, Judiciary, and Transportation and Infrastructure
Committees. H.R. 3266 establishes a State and Regional First
Responder Grant Program within the Department of Homeland
Security to award grants to states and regions on the basis
of the threat, as determined by the Under Secretary for Information
Analysis and Infrastructure Protection. A Dec. 17 presidential
directive expanded the definition of first responder to include
health care workers [see Washington
Highlights,
Jan. 9].
The Secretary of Homeland Security also is directed to create
an Advisory Council on First Responders to advise the department
if there is a need for a federal standard for any first responder
training or equipment, and other responsibilities. Members
from various first responder fields, as well as experts representing
hospitals and the public health professions, will be included
on the Council.
Information:
Erica Froyd, Director, Public Health and Research Legislative Affairs
AAMC Government Relations
efroyd@aamc.org
(202) 828-0525
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