Skip to main content
HOUSE 2499117th CongressReceived in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.

Federal Firefighters Fairness Act of 2022

Last Action
5/12/2022

Actions

  • 2022-05-12Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
  • 2022-05-11Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
  • 2022-05-11On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 288 - 131 (Roll no. 149). (text of amendment in the nature of a substiute: CR H4816-4817)
  • 2022-05-11Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 288 - 131 (Roll no. 149).
  • 2022-05-11POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on the Keller amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Keller demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings until a time to be announced.
  • 2022-05-11DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 1097, the House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on Keller amendment No. 4.
  • 2022-05-11POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on the Joyce (OH) amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mrs. Greene (GA) demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings until a time to be announced.
  • 2022-05-11DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 1097, the House proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Joyce (OH) amendment No. 3.
  • 2022-05-11POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on the Scott (VA) amendment en bloc, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mrs. Greene (GA) demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings until a time to be announced.
  • 2022-05-11DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 1097, the House proceeded with 20 minutes of debate on the Scott (VA) amendment en bloc No. 1.
  • 2022-05-11DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 2499.
  • 2022-05-11Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 903, H.R. 2499, H.R. 5129 and H.R. 7691. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 903, H.R. 2499, and H.R. 5129 under a structured rule. H.R. 7691 is considered under a closed rule. Bills considered under the rule are debatable for one hour. The rule provides that H. Res. 1096 is adopted and amends H. Res. 188 by striking May 13, 2022 and inserting June 10, 2022.
  • 2022-05-11Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 1097. (consideration: CR H4816-4831)
  • 2022-05-10Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 1097 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 903, H.R. 2499, H.R. 5129 and H.R. 7691. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 903, H.R. 2499, and H.R. 5129 under a structured rule. H.R. 7691 is considered under a closed rule. Bills considered under the rule are debatable for one hour. The rule provides that H. Res. 1096 is adopted and amends H. Res. 188 by striking May 13, 2022 and inserting June 10, 2022.
  • 2022-05-06Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 226.

Showing 15 of 20 actions. Full history on Congress.gov.

CRS Summary

As of 2022-05-11 (53)

Federal Firefighters Fairness Act of 2022

This bill makes it easier for federally employed firefighters who contract certain illnesses to qualify for federal workers' compensation.

Specifically, the bill provides that chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, mesothelioma, and specified other cancers of those employed in fire protection activities for at least five years are presumed to be proximately caused by such employment for purposes of a disability or death claim under the federal workers' compensation program. This presumption also applies to federal employees employed in fire protection activities for at least five years who experience a sudden cardiac event or stroke within 24 hours of performing a fire protection activity.

The bill also requires the Department of Labor to conduct a review to determine whether breast cancer, gynecological cancer, and rhabdomyolysis should be included under the presumption and to conduct periodic reviews to determine whether other diseases should be included. In addition, a person may petition Labor to include another disease under the presumption.

An employee in fire protection activities is a firefighter, paramedic, emergency medical technician, rescue worker, ambulance personnel, or hazardous material worker who (1) is trained in fire suppression; (2) has the legal authority and responsibility to engage in fire suppression; (3) is engaged in the prevention, control, and extinguishing of fires or response to emergency situations where life, property, or the environment is at risk, including the prevention, control, suppression, or management of wildland fires; and (4) performs such activities as a primary responsibility.

Cosponsors (20)

  • Don Bacon (R-NE)
  • Mark Takano (D-CA)
  • Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA)
  • Michael Turner (R-OH)
  • Mary Scanlon (D-PA)
  • Bill Foster (D-IL)
  • BRAD SHERMAN (D-CA)
  • ELEANOR NORTON (D-DC)
  • Eric Swalwell (D-CA)
  • GRACE NAPOLITANO (D-CA)
  • Susan Wild (D-PA)
  • Cori Bush (D-MO)
  • Chellie Pingree (D-ME)
  • Scott Peters (D-CA)
  • TIM RYAN (D-OH)
  • CHRISTOPHER SMITH (R-NJ)
  • Jefferson Van Drew (R-NJ)
  • Josh Harder (D-CA)
  • Sean Maloney (D-NY)
  • Steve Cohen (D-TN)

Subjects

  • Blood and blood diseases
  • Cancer
  • Cardiovascular and respiratory health
  • Digestive and metabolic diseases
  • Disability and paralysis
  • Disability assistance
  • Emergency medical services and trauma care
  • Employee benefits and pensions
  • Evidence and witnesses
  • Fires
  • First responders and emergency personnel
  • Government employee pay, benefits, personnel management
  • HIV/AIDS
  • Hazardous wastes and toxic substances
  • Health personnel
  • Infectious and parasitic diseases
  • Musculoskeletal and skin diseases
  • Neurological disorders
  • Worker safety and health
Read on Congress.gov

Sourced from Congress.gov (public domain).

This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.