FASTER Act

Bill Number

H.R. 5575

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Health

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-09-26: Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.

Last Updated

2025-11-18T17:49:14Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The FASTER Act (H.R. 5575) aims to authorize federal grants to fire departments to support programs that prevent falls among older adults (aged 65 and over) and improve response times to in-home emergencies. It addresses the high incidence of falls, which cause significant injuries, deaths, and medical costs, by leveraging fire department expertise in home safety and emergency response.

Key Provisions

• Findings: Congress highlights statistics from the CDC and NIH, noting that falls affect 14 million older adults annually, lead to 38,000 deaths, 3 million emergency visits, and over $80 billion in medical costs. Over 70% of falls occur at home and are preventable through simple modifications, with fire departments playing a key role.
• Grant Program: The FEMA Administrator awards competitive grants to career, combination, and volunteer fire departments for three-year programs focused on home safety and fall prevention. Grants cover up to 75% of costs in years 1-2 and 35% in year 3, with preference for applicants providing additional non-federal funding.
• Applications: Applicants must submit details on challenges without federal aid and long-term sustainability plans. No grants without approval.
• Allowable Uses of Funds:
• Installing lock boxes for quicker emergency access.
• Hiring and training community paramedicine staff (e.g., firefighters, EMTs, social workers) for proactive safety roles.
• Installing/replacing smoke detectors.
• Compiling health data for responders.
• Minor home modifications (e.g., removing tripping hazards, adding handrails).
• Medication reviews and referrals to fall-risk education resources.
• Rules and Limitations: Funds cannot replace state/local budgets and must supplement them. No grants to entities that cut fire/emergency budgets below 80% of recent averages. Tribal governments can use federal funds for matching shares.
• Waivers and Assistance: FEMA can waive cost-sharing or budget rules for economic hardship (based on unemployment, food assistance rates, etc.), after consulting experts. FEMA provides technical assistance and establishes performance metrics for evaluation.
• Oversight: Includes reporting to Congress after two years, potential fund revocation for non-compliance, and audit access. Defines terms like "community paramedicine" (proactive first-responder roles to prevent emergencies) and "fall prevention" (evidence-based risk reduction).
• Funding and Duration: Authorizes $1-7 million annually from FY2026-2035, with up to 5% for FEMA admin costs. Program sunsets on September 30, 2036.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This bill introduces a new grant program under FEMA, creating fresh authority without directly amending prior laws like the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act (which provides definitions). It builds on existing fire safety frameworks by adding specific focus on older adult fall prevention and emergency access, but does not alter ongoing programs—rather, it supplements them with targeted funding.

Potential Impacts

• Government Agencies: FEMA gains new responsibilities for grant administration, evaluation, and reporting, potentially increasing workload but with dedicated admin funding. Local fire departments and Tribal governments benefit from supplemental resources, aiding budget-strapped areas.
• Citizens: Older adults may experience fewer falls through home modifications and education, reducing injuries, hospital visits, and long-term care needs. Faster emergency responses could save lives and lower medical costs (estimated $80 billion annually from falls).
• International Relations: No direct impacts, as the bill is domestic-focused on U.S. fire services and aging populations.

Main Stakeholders

• Fire Departments: Career, combination, and volunteer departments are primary recipients, enabling expanded roles in community health.
• Older Adults: Direct beneficiaries through safer homes and quicker emergency aid.
• Local and Tribal Governments: Eligible for grants and technical support; must maintain budgets to qualify.
• FEMA and Federal Agencies: Oversees implementation, with input from CDC/NIH on fall data.
• Healthcare Providers and Communities: Indirectly affected via reduced emergency demands and referrals to resources.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: Establishes a competitive, peer-reviewed grant process with strict anti-supplantation rules to ensure funds add value, plus audit rights for accountability. Waivers for hardship promote equity but require clear guidelines to avoid disputes.
• Constitutional: Involves federal spending on local public safety (under Congress's spending power), raising no major challenges but emphasizing state/local partnerships to respect federalism.
• Political: Bipartisan sponsorship (Democrats and Republicans) signals broad support for aging-in-place initiatives. The escalating funding authorization reflects long-term commitment, but the 2036 sunset allows future congressional review. Potential for cost savings in healthcare could appeal across aisles, though implementation depends on appropriations.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Frankel, Lois [D-FL-22]

Cosponsors (6)

Rep. Ciscomani, Juan [R-AZ-6], Rep. Magaziner, Seth [D-RI-2], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Thompson, Glenn [R-PA-15], Rep. Harder, Josh [D-CA-9], Rep. McClain Delaney, April [D-MD-6]

Recent Actions

• 2025-09-26: Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
• 2025-09-26: Introduced in House
• 2025-09-26: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Firefighters Assisting Seniors To Emergency Response Act — issued 2025-09-26 — PDF (12 pages)