WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Rep. Tom Kean Jr., R-N.J., has introduced legislation aimed at providing additional federal funding to emergency medical services agencies for facility improvements, equipment, training and other services.
The EMS SUPPORT Act of 2026 would direct the U.S. secretary of health and human services to establish a grant program to help EMS agencies obtain the resources needed to respond to medical emergencies.
“During a medical emergency, you deserve the highest level of care from the most qualified first responders with the best possible resources,” Kean said. “That is why I introduced the EMS SUPPORT Act to create a grant program and ensure that EMTs have the training and tools that they need to help individuals when they need it most.”
The proposal comes as emergency medical services agencies across New Jersey and the country face rising operational costs, staffing shortages and increasing expenses associated with maintaining ambulances and lifesaving equipment.
Clinton Councilman Ross Traphagen, who also serves as a trustee of South Branch Emergency Services, expressed support for the legislation, citing the financial and operational challenges facing EMS organizations.
“As both a Town of Clinton Councilman and Trustee of South Branch Emergency Services, I have seen firsthand the growing challenges facing emergency medical services across New Jersey and throughout our country,” Traphagen said. “Our EMS agencies are being asked to respond to more emergencies than ever before, while struggling with rising operational costs, staffing shortages, and the financial burden of maintaining lifesaving equipment and ambulances. I strongly support Congressman Tom Kean Jr.’s EMS SUPPORT Act because it recognizes that reliable emergency medical services are not a luxury – they are an essential public service. By creating new federal funding opportunities for staffing, training, equipment, and infrastructure, this legislation would provide meaningful support to the men and women who answer the call when our communities need them most, while helping ease the financial pressure on local taxpayers. Every resident deserves to know that when they dial 911, a trained EMS crew will be there. This legislation is an important step toward ensuring that our EMS organizations have the resources they need to continue saving lives for generations to come.”
Bridgewater Councilman Tim Ring, a volunteer emergency medical technician for nearly four decades, also voiced support for the proposed grant program.
“As a councilman and volunteer EMT of nearly 40 years, I understand personally how our nation’s EMS system needs support,” Ring said. “This legislation that creates a grant program specifically for them is an important step forward in ensuring they have the funding they need to take care of our communities. I am deeply appreciative of Congressman Kean for always listening to his constituents, advocating on our behalf, and working to support emergency medical services and first responders across the country.”
The proposal follows Kean’s previous efforts to secure federal assistance for first responders.
In 2024, the Fire Grants and Safety Act, legislation sponsored by Kean, was signed into law. The measure provided a five-year reauthorization of the U.S. Fire Administration, the Assistance to Firefighters Grants Program and the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Grant Program.
Kean has also secured nearly $22 million for first responders in New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District through the federal Community Project Funding process, according to his office.
The EMS SUPPORT Act would create an additional federal funding opportunity specifically intended to support emergency medical services personnel and agencies.
