WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, two bipartisan pieces of legislation addressing national security and public safety sponsored by Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-7) were marked up and advanced out of committee.
The Resolution Urging Immediate Transfer of Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) to Ukraine (H.Res. 488) and the Fire Grants and Safety Act of 2023 (H.R. 4090) are now up for consideration and passage on the House Floor.
The Resolution is aimed at urging the Biden administration to swiftly provide Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) to Ukraine. This resolution is co-sponsored by House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul (R-TX), Subcommittee on Europe Ranking Member Bill Keating (D-MA), Reps. Ted Lieu (D-CA), Joe Wilson (R-SC), and Jared Golden (D-ME).
With a range of almost 200 miles, ATACMS reach deep inside Russian-occupied territory by striking command & control outposts, ammunition depots, and other sensitive targets. These strikes would cripple Russia’s ability to resist Ukraine’s counteroffensive, thus saving Ukrainian lives and enabling the success of Ukraine’s assault.
The Fire Grants and Safety Act of 2023 provides a five-year reauthorization for the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), the Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) Program, and the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Grant (SAFER) Program. The current program authorizations expire on September 30, 2023. The bill’s cosponsors include House Science Committee Chairman Frank Lucas (R-OK), Ranking Member Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), Research and Technology Subcommittee Chairman Mike Collins (R-GA), Research and Technology Subcommittee Ranking Member Haley Stevens (D-MI), Rep. Jared Golden (D-ME), and Congressional Fire Services Caucus Co-Chairs Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-MD), Rep. Michael Bost (R-IL), and Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA).
This legislation will reauthorize federal grants and programs for local fire departments which will help protect families in New Jersey and nationwide. Additionally, it increases the funding levels for the U.S. Fire Administration.
“Today’s advancement of both the ATACMs Resolution and the Fire Grants and Safety Act of 2023 in the House marks a significant step forward in prioritizing national security and public safety here at home,” Kean said. “These bills reflect our unwavering commitment to equipping Ukraine’s victory and ensuring our brave firefighters at home have the resources they need. I’m grateful for the bipartisan support we have received and remain dedicated to seeing these critical measures through to successful passage.”
