The U.S. Senate has made a significant advancement by approving the Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act. This legislation, endorsed by the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), is included in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). It acknowledges occupational cancer as a line-of-duty death, a recognition long sought by firefighters across the nation.
Key Details of the Honor Act
The Honor Act, which has received strong bipartisan support, now requires the signature of President Donald Trump to become law. This marks a pivotal moment for the IAFF as the bill aims to protect the families of firefighters who succumb to job-related cancers.
Legislative Support
- Lead Senators: Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.)
- Lead Representatives: Carlos Gimenez (R-Fla.) and Mary Gay Scanlon (D-Pa.)
- Bipartisan Votes: 312 in the House and 77 in the Senate
General President Edward Kelly emphasized the importance of this act, stating, “Occupational cancer is a devastating reality in our profession. It’s vital that the federal government acknowledge these deaths as line-of-duty.”
Benefits for Families
The legislation updates the federal Public Safety Officers’ Benefits (PSOB) program to include specific provisions:
- Recognition of occupational cancer as a line-of-duty death
- Extension of death benefits and educational support to survivors
- Presumption of certain cancers as job-related, eliminating the need for specific exposure identification
With this act, surviving family members will access over $461,000 in federal death benefits, reflecting the IAFF’s commitment to support its members and their families in times of tragedy.
A Historic Victory for Firefighters
This act is a culmination of years of advocacy by the IAFF. The union has actively campaigned for recognition of occupational cancer, making it a top priority at various legislative conferences and lobbying events on Capitol Hill.
General President Kelly reiterated the sentiment shared among union members, stating that this expansion of the PSOB is crucial for taking care of the families of those who have served bravely.
The passage of the Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act represents a major step forward in honoring firefighters who have sacrificed their health and lives in the line of duty. As it moves towards becoming law, it solidifies the commitment to protect those who protect us all.
