Following House Democrats’ proposal of the HEROES Act (H.R. 6800) on Tuesday, the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) outlined possible impacts of the latest coronavirus aid package, and called upon fire and EMS professionals to contact their congressional representatives to support the legislation.
The bill would provide nearly $1 trillion in aid for states, cities and local governments, as well as aid to essential workers, and a new round of cash payments to individuals. Additional provisions involve PPE reimbursements, the repeal of the requirement to auction public safety spectrum in the T-Band, the use of the Defense Production Act, and clarification related to the Public Safety Officers’ Benefits program.
The House of Representatives is expected to vote on the $3 trillion bill on Friday.