National Fire Academy RESCUE Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 5777
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Economics and Public Finance
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-10-17: Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
- Last Updated
- 2026-03-25T08:05:27Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The National Fire Academy Reimbursement for Emergency Service Course Unavailability and Expenses Act (H.R. 5777), also known as the National Fire Academy RESCUE Act, aims to protect fire departments from financial losses when training courses or activities at the National Fire Academy are canceled due to a lapse in federal funding (such as during a government shutdown). It ensures reimbursement for specific expenses incurred by these departments, promoting continuity in emergency service training.
Key Provisions
- Reimbursement Requirement: The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator must reimburse fire departments for "covered expenses" related to canceled courses or activities at the National Fire Academy, if the cancellation occurs during or results from a lapse in FEMA appropriations.
- Timeline for Reimbursement:
- Fire departments submit an itemized application (detailing expenses) within 30 days after the lapse ends.
- FEMA provides reimbursement within 90 days after the lapse ends or after receiving the application, whichever is later.
- Covered Courses or Activities: Includes in-person on-campus or off-campus training, virtual (synchronous or asynchronous) instruction, and in-person on-campus conferences or symposia offered by the National Fire Academy.
- Covered Expenses:
- Travel costs for personnel.
- "Backfill expenses," such as staffing adjustments or overtime pay to cover absent personnel.
- Exceptions: No reimbursement if the cancellation is due to "good cause," defined as:
- Facility closure for reasons unrelated to funding lapses.
- Instructor illness or unavailability.
- A national emergency blocking access to the academy.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This bill amends Section 7 of the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974 (15 U.S.C. 2206) by:
- Inserting a new subsection (n) to establish the reimbursement process.
- Redesignating the existing subsection (n) as subsection (o) to accommodate the addition.
These changes introduce a specific mechanism for financial relief during funding lapses, which was not previously outlined in the law.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: FEMA gains a mandatory obligation to process and fund reimbursements post-lapse, potentially increasing administrative workload and requiring budget allocations from future appropriations. This could help maintain the National Fire Academy's reputation and participation rates.
- On Citizens: Fire departments (essential for public safety) can recover costs, reducing financial strain and encouraging ongoing training for firefighters, which indirectly improves emergency response capabilities for communities.
- On International Relations: No direct impact, as the bill focuses on domestic fire training programs.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Fire Departments and Personnel: Primary beneficiaries, as they can recoup expenses for disrupted training, including chiefs who submit applications.
- FEMA and National Fire Academy: Responsible for administering reimbursements and defining cancellations; must balance this with existing operations.
- Congress and Taxpayers: Indirectly involved through federal funding mechanisms, as reimbursements draw from appropriated budgets.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Establishes clear procedural rights for fire departments to seek reimbursements, with defined timelines to prevent delays. The "good cause" exception provides FEMA discretion to avoid improper payouts, potentially reducing litigation risks.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's authority over appropriations (Article I, Section 9), addressing gaps during lapses without overriding shutdown protocols. It does not raise separation of powers concerns.
- Political: Could mitigate criticisms of government shutdowns by protecting vital public safety training; may encourage similar protections for other federal programs, influencing future budget negotiations. The bill's bipartisan sponsorship (introduced October 17, 2025, by Rep. McClain and others) signals broad support for emergency services.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. McClain Delaney, April [D-MD-6]
Cosponsors (12)
Rep. Moulton, Seth [D-MA-6], Rep. McIver, LaMonica [D-NJ-10], Rep. Craig, Angie [D-MN-2], Rep. Landsman, Greg [D-OH-1], Rep. Bonamici, Suzanne [D-OR-1], Rep. Subramanyam, Suhas [D-VA-10], Rep. Carson, André [D-IN-7], Rep. Lofgren, Zoe [D-CA-18], Rep. Johnson, Henry C. "Hank" [D-GA-4], Rep. Boyle, Brendan F. [D-PA-2], Rep. Matsui, Doris O. [D-CA-7], Rep. Neguse, Joe [D-CO-2]
Recent Actions
- 2025-10-17: Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
- 2025-10-17: Introduced in House
- 2025-10-17: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- National Fire Academy Reimbursement for Emergency Service Course Unavailability and Expenses Act — issued 2025-10-17 — PDF (5 pages)