69–006 

110TH CONGRESS REPORT " ! HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 2d Session 110–559 

UNITED STATES FIRE ADMINISTRATION 

REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2008 

MARCH 31, 2008.—Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the State 

of the Union and ordered to be printed 

Mr. GORDON of Tennessee, from the Committee on Science and 

Technology, submitted the following 

R E P O R T 

[To accompany H.R. 4847] 

[Including cost estimate of the Congressional Budget Office] 

The Committee on Science and Technology, to whom was referred the bill (H.R. 4847) to reauthorize the United States Fire 

Administration, and for other purposes, having considered the 

same, report favorably thereon with an amendment and recommend that the bill as amended do pass. 

CONTENTS 

Page 

I. Amendment ................................................................................................. 2 

II. Purpose of the Bill ...................................................................................... 5 

III. Background and Need for the Legislation ................................................ 5 

IV. Hearing Summary ....................................................................................... 6 

V. Committee Actions ...................................................................................... 6 

VI. Summary of Major Provisions of the Bill .................................................. 7 

VII. Section-by-Section Analysis ........................................................................ 8 

VIII. Committee Views ........................................................................................ 9 

IX. Cost Estimate .............................................................................................. 11 

X. Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate ............................................. 11 

XI. Compliance With Public Law 104–4 .......................................................... 13 

XII. Committee Oversight Findings and Recommendations ........................... 13 

XIII. Statement on General Performance Goals and Objectives ...................... 13 

XIV. Constitutional Authority Statement .......................................................... 13 

XV. Federal Advisory Committee Statement ................................................... 13 

XVI. Congressional Accountability Act .............................................................. 13 

XVII. Earmark Identification ............................................................................... 13 

XVIII. Statement on Preemption of State, Local, or Tribal Law ........................ 13 

XIX. Changes in Existing Law Made by the Bill, as Reported ........................ 13 

XX. Committee Recommendations .................................................................... 18 

XXI. Proceedings of the Subcommittee Markup ................................................ 19 


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XXII. Proceedings of the Full Committee Markup ............................................. 43 

XXIII. Exchange of Letters .................................................................................... 77 

I. AMENDMENT

The amendment is as follows: 

Strike all after the enacting clause and insert the following: 

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. 

This Act may be cited as the ‘‘United States Fire Administration Reauthorization 

Act of 2008’’. 

SEC. 2. FINDINGS. 

Congress finds the following: 

(1) The loss of life due to fire has dropped significantly over the last 25 years 

in the United States. However, the United States still has one of the highest 

fire death rates in the industrialized world. In 2005 the National Fire Protection Association reported 3,675 civilian fire deaths, 17,925 civilian fire injuries, 

and $10,672,000,000 in direct losses due to fire. 

(2) Every year, over 100 firefighters die in the line of duty. The United States 

Fire Administration should continue its leadership to help local fire agencies 

dramatically reduce these fatalities. 

(3) Members of the fire service community should continue to work together 

to further the promotion of national voluntary consensus standards that increase firefighter safety. 

(4) The United States Fire Administration provides crucial support to the Nation’s 30,300 fire departments through training, emergency incident data collection, fire awareness and education, and support of research and development activities for fire prevention, control, and suppression technologies. 

(5) The collection of data on fire and other emergency incidents is a vital tool 

both for policy makers and emergency responders to identify and develop responses to emerging hazards. Improving the United States Fire Administration’s data collection capabilities is essential for accurately tracking and responding to the magnitude and nature of the Nation’s fire problem. 

(6) The research and development performed by the National Institute of 

Standards and Technology, the United States Fire Administration, other government agencies, and non-governmental organizations on fire technologies, 

techniques, and tools advance the capabilities of the Nation’s fire service to suppress and prevent fires. 

(7) The United States Fire Administration is one of the strongest voices representing the Nation’s fire service within the Federal Government, and, as such, 

it should have a prominent place within the Department of Homeland Security. 

SEC. 3. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS FOR UNITED STATES FIRE ADMINISTRATION. 

Section 17(g)(1) of the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974 (15 U.S.C. 

2216(g)(1)) is amended— (1) in subparagraph (C), by striking ‘‘and’’ after the semicolon; 

(2) in subparagraph (D), by striking the period at the end and inserting a 

semicolon; and 

(3) by adding after subparagraph (D) the following new subparagraphs: ‘‘(E) $70,000,000 for fiscal year 2009, of which $2,520,000 shall be used 

to carry out section 8; ‘‘(F) $72,100,000 for fiscal year 2010, of which $2,595,600 shall be used 

to carry out section 8; ‘‘(G) $74,263,000 for fiscal year 2011, of which $2,673,468 shall be used 

to carry out section 8; and ‘‘(H) $76,490,890 for fiscal year 2012, of which $2,753,672 shall be used 

to carry out section 8.’’. 

SEC. 4. NATIONAL FIRE ACADEMY TRAINING PROGRAM MODIFICATIONS AND REPORTS. 

(a) AMENDMENTS TO FIRE ACADEMY TRAINING.—Section 7(d)(1) of the Federal Fire 

Prevention and Control Act of 1974 (15 U.S.C. 2206(d)(1)) is amended— (1) in subparagraph (H), by striking ‘‘terrorist-caused national catastrophes’’ and inserting ‘‘terrorist-caused and other national catastrophes’’; 

(2) in subparagraph (K), by striking ‘‘forest’’ and inserting ‘‘wildland’’; 

(3) in subparagraph (M), by striking ‘‘response tactics and’’ and inserting ‘‘re- sponse, tactics, and’’; 

(4) by redesignating subparagraphs (I) through (N) as subparagraphs (M) 

through (R), respectively; and 

(5) by inserting after subparagraph (H) the following new subparagraphs: 


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‘‘(I) response, tactics, and strategies for fighting large-scale fires or multiple fires in a general area that cross jurisdictional boundaries; 

‘‘(J) response, tactics, and strategies for fighting fires occurring at the 

wildland-urban interface; 

‘‘(K) response, tactics, and strategies for fighting fires involving hazardous materials; 

‘‘(L) advanced emergency medical services training;’’. 

(b) TRIENNIAL REPORTS.—Section 7 of such Act (15 U.S.C. 2206) is amended by 

adding at the end the following new subsection: 

‘‘(m) TRIENNIAL REPORT.—In the first annual report filed pursuant to section 16 

for which the deadline for filing is after the expiration of the 18-month period that 

begins on the date of the enactment of the United States Fire Administration Reauthorization Act of 2008, and in every third annual report thereafter, the Administrator shall include information about changes made to the Academy curriculum, including—

‘‘(1) the basis for such changes, including a review of the incorporation of lessons learned by emergency response personnel after significant emergency 

events and emergency preparedness exercises performed under the National Exercise Program; and 

‘‘(2) the desired training outcome of all such changes.’’. 

(c) AUTHORIZING THE ADMINISTRATOR TO ENTER INTO CONTRACTS TO PROVIDE ONSITE TRAINING THROUGH CERTAIN ACCREDITED ORGANIZATIONS.—Section 7(f) of such 

Act (15 U.S.C. 2206(f)) is amended to read as follows: 

‘‘(f) ASSISTANCE.—

‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The Administrator is authorized to provide assistance to 

State and local fire service training programs through grants, contracts, or otherwise. 

‘‘(2) AUTHORIZATION TO ENTER INTO CONTRACTS TO PROVIDE ON-SITE TRAINING

THROUGH CERTAIN ACCREDITED ORGANIZATIONS.—

‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—The Administrator is authorized to enter into a contract with one or more nationally recognized organizations that have established on-site training programs that comply with national voluntary consensus standards for fire service personnel to facilitate the delivery of the 

education and training programs outlined in subsection (d)(1) directly to 

fire service personnel. 

‘‘(B) RESTRICTIONS.—The Administrator shall not enter into a contract 

with such organization unless such organization—

‘‘(i) operates a fire service training program accredited by a nationally recognized accreditation organization experienced with accrediting 

such training; or 

‘‘(ii) at the time the Administrator enters into the contract, provides 

training under such a program under a cooperative agreement with a 

Federal agency. 

‘‘(3) RESTRICTION ON USE OF FUNDS.—The amounts expended by the Administrator to carry out this subsection in any fiscal year shall not exceed 4 per centum of the amount authorized to be appropriated in such fiscal year pursuant 

to section 17 of this Act.’’. 

(d) INCIDENT COMMAND TRAINING COURSE FOR FIRES AT PORTS REQUIRED.—Not 

later than 2 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Administrator 

of the United States Fire Administration, in consultation with the Superintendent 

of the National Academy for Fire Prevention and Control, shall consolidate and integrate into the current Academy curriculum a course on incident command training 

for fire service personnel for fighting fires at United States ports and in marine environments, including fires on the water and aboard vessels. 

SEC. 5. NATIONAL FIRE INCIDENT REPORTING SYSTEM UPGRADES. 

(a) INCIDENT REPORTING SYSTEM DATABASE.—Section 9 of the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974 (15 U.S.C. 2208) is amended by adding at the end 

the following new subsection: 

‘‘(d) NATIONAL FIRE INCIDENT REPORTING SYSTEM UPDATE.—Of the amounts made 

available pursuant to subparagraphs (E), (F), and (G) of section 17(g)(1), the Administrator shall use no more than an aggregate amount of $5,000,000 during the 3- 

year period consisting of fiscal years 2009, 2010, and 2011 to carry out activities 

necessary to update the National Fire Incident Reporting system to an Internetbased, real-time incident reporting database, including capital investment, contractor engagement, and user education.’’. 

(b) TECHNICAL CORRECTION.—Section 9(b)(2) of such Act (15 U.S.C. 2208(b)(2)) is 

amended by striking ‘‘assist State,’’ and inserting ‘‘assist Federal, State,’’. 


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SEC. 6. FIRE TECHNOLOGY ASSISTANCE AND RESEARCH DISSEMINATION. 

(a) ASSISTANCE TO FIRE SERVICES FOR FIRE PREVENTION AND CONTROL IN

WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE.—Section 8(d) of the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974 (15 U.S.C. 2207(d)) is amended—

(1) by striking ‘‘RURAL ASSISTANCE’’ in the heading and inserting ‘‘RURAL AND

WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE ASSISTANCE’’; 

(2) by striking ‘‘The Administrator’’ and inserting ‘‘(1) The Administrator’’; 

and 

(3) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: 

‘‘(2) The Administrator is authorized to assist the Nation’s fire services, directly 

or through contracts, grants, or other forms of assistance, to sponsor and encourage 

research into approaches, techniques, systems, and equipment to improve fire prevention and control in the wildland-urban interface.’’. 

(b) TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH DISSEMINATION.—Section 8 of such Act (15 U.S.C. 

2207) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: 

‘‘(h) RESEARCH DISSEMINATION.—Beginning 1 year after the date of the enactment 

of the United States Fire Administration Reauthorization Act of 2008, the Administrator, in collaboration with the relevant departments and agencies of the Federal 

Government, shall make available to the public information about all ongoing and 

planned fire-related research funded by the Administration during fiscal year 2007 

and each fiscal year thereafter, as well as the results generated from such research, 

through a regularly updated Internet-based database.’’. 

SEC. 7. ENCOURAGING ADOPTION OF STANDARDS FOR FIREFIGHTER HEALTH AND SAFETY. 

The Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974 (15 U.S.C. 2201 et seq.) is 

amended by adding at the end the following new section: 

‘‘SEC. 37. ENCOURAGING ADOPTION OF STANDARDS FOR FIREFIGHTER HEALTH AND SAFETY. 

‘‘The Administrator shall promote adoption by fire services of national voluntary 

consensus standards for firefighter health and safety, including such standards for 

firefighter operations, training, staffing, and fitness, by educating fire services about 

such standards, encouraging the adoption at all levels of government of such standards, and making recommendations on other ways in which the Federal government 

can promote the adoption of such standards by fire services.’’. 

SEC. 8. COORDINATION REGARDING FIRE SERVICE-BASED EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES. 

(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 21(e) of the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 

1974 (15 U.S.C. 2218(e)) is amended to read as follows: 

‘‘(e) COORDINATION.—

‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—To the extent practicable, the Administrator shall utilize 

existing programs, data, information, and facilities already available in other 

Federal Government departments and agencies and, where appropriate, existing 

research organizations, centers, and universities. 

‘‘(2) COORDINATION OF FIRE PREVENTION AND CONTROL PROGRAMS.—The Administrator shall provide liaison at an appropriate organizational level to assure 

coordination of the Administrator’s activities with State and local government 

agencies, departments, bureaus, or offices concerned with any matter related to 

programs of fire prevention and control with private and other Federal organizations and offices so concerned. 

‘‘(3) COORDINATION OF FIRE SERVICE-BASED EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES

PROGRAMS.—The Administrator shall provide liaison at an appropriate organizational level to assure coordination of the Administrator’s activities with State 

and local government agencies, departments, bureaus, or offices concerned with 

programs related to emergency medical services provided by fire service-based 

systems with private and other Federal organizations and offices so concerned.’’. 

(b) FIRE SERVICE-BASED EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES BEST PRACTICES.—Section 8(c) of such Act (15 U.S.C. 2207(c)) is amended—

(1) by redesignating paragraphs (2) through (4) as paragraphs (3) through (5), 

respectively; and 

(2) by inserting after paragraph (1) the following new paragraph: 

‘‘(2) The Administrator is authorized to conduct, directly or through contracts or 

grants, studies of the operations and management aspects of fire service-based 

emergency medical services and coordination between emergency medical services 

and fire services. Such studies may include the optimum protocols for on-scene care, 

the allocation of resources, and the training requirements for fire service-based 

emergency medical services.’’. 

SEC. 9. DEFINITIONS. 

Section 4 of the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974 (15 U.S.C. 2203) 

is amended—


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(1) in paragraph (3), by striking ‘‘Administration’’ and inserting ‘‘Administration, who is the Assistant Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management 

Agency’’; 

(2) in paragraph (7), by striking ‘‘and’’ after the semicolon; 

(3) in paragraph (8), by striking the period at the end and inserting ‘‘; and’’; 

(4) by redesignating paragraphs (6), (7), and (8) as paragraphs (7), (8), and 

(9), respectively; 

(5) by inserting after paragraph (5) the following new paragraph: 

‘‘(6) ‘hazardous materials’ has the meaning given such term in section 5102(2) 

of title 49, United States Code;’’; and 

(6) by adding at the end the following new paragraph: 

‘‘(10) ‘wildland-urban interface’ has the meaning given such term in section 

101(16) of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6511(16)).’’. 

II. PURPOSE OF THE BILL

The purpose of this bill is to authorize appropriations for fiscal 

years 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012 for the U.S. Fire Administration 

(USFA), and to authorize USFA’s activities in training, fire education and awareness, data collection, research, and standards development and promotion. 

III. BACKGROUND AND NEED FOR THE LEGISLATION

USFA is housed within the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) at the Department of Homeland Security 

(DHS). It was created by the Federal Fire Prevention and Control 

Act of 1974 (P.L. 93–498). The agency’s mission is to reduce the incidence of fire and fire-related deaths, injuries, and property damage in the U.S., and to better prepare the Nation’s fire service as 

primary local emergency responders. To accomplish its mission, 

USFA engages in the following core activities: public fire education 

and awareness programs; firefighter and emergency responder 

training delivery and curriculum development; fire-focused applied 

research and technology development; data collection through the 

National Fire Data Center; and logistical and programmatic support for DHS grants to firefighters under the Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) program and the Staffing for Adequate Fire 

and Emergency Response (SAFER) grants program. 

USFA’s stated goal upon its establishment in 1974 was to reduce 

fire-related fatalities in the Nation by half—bringing the number 

to approximately six thousand per year within a generation. The 

agency met this goal by 1988, and the number of deaths continues 

to decline. However, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) the U.S. still has one of the highest rates of death, 

injury, and property loss due to fire among all industrialized nations. NFPA reports that in 2006 there were 3,245 civilian fire 

deaths, 16,400 fire injuries, and an estimated $11.307 billion in direct property losses due to fire. They estimate that the fire fatality 

rate is 14.8 per million. USFA also reports that every year an average of 100 firefighters die in the line of duty. The agency works to 

reduce these statistics, as well as help firefighters prepare for the 

growing number of hazards and emergencies calling for firefighter 

response, such as natural disasters, hazardous materials events, 

and terrorist attacks. 


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IV. HEARING SUMMARY

On Tuesday, October 2, 2007, the Technology and Innovation 

Subcommittee of the House Committee on Science and Technology 

held a hearing to examine U.S. Fire Administration programs and 

activities. Witnesses testified on the needs and priorities of the Nations fire service regarding the services and programs provided by 

USFA. 

The Subcommittee heard testimony from Chief Gregory Cade, 

the U.S. Fire Administrator; Dr. Shyam Sunder, the director of the 

National Institute of Standards and Technology Building and Fire 

Research Lab; Chief Steven P. Westermann, President and Chief 

Fire Officer for the International Association of Fire Chiefs; Captain Robert Livingston of the Salem, Orgegon Fire Department, 

testifying on behalf of the International Association of Fire Fighters; Chief Gordon Henderson, past president of the Georgia State 

Firefighters’ Association, testifying on behalf of the National Volunteer Fire Council; and Dr. John R. Hall, the Assistant Vice President for Fire Analysis and Research at the National Fire Protection 

Association (NFPA). Witnesses discussed the status of core USFA 

activities, such as public education and outreach, fire research and 

data analysis, and emergency responder training programs. The 

witnesses identified firefighter health and safety, training for fighting fires in the wildland urban interface, training for advanced topics in emergency medical services (EMS) and improvement of the 

National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) as pressing 

needs for USFA and the fire service. The witnesses also testified 

that USFA needed higher funding levels to fully meet the demand 

from fire service and emergency personnel for USFA programming 

and courses. 

V. COMMITTEE ACTIONS

The Subcommittee on Technology and Innovation heard testimony in the 110th Congress relevant to the programs authorized 

in H.R. 4847 at a hearing held on October 2, 2007. During this 

hearing, the Subcommittee heard testimony from the Director of 

the U.S. Fire Administration, the Director of the National Institute 

of Standards and Technology’s Building and Fire Research Laboratory, and four outside witnesses representing different sectors of 

the fire service community. 

On December 19 2007, Representative Harry Mitchell, Vice 

Chairman of the Subcommittee on Technology and Innovation of 

the Committee on Science and Technology, for himself and Representative Phil Gingrey, Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on 

Technology and Innovation, introduced H.R. 4847, the U.S. Fire 

Administration Reauthorization Act of 2007, a bill to authorize appropriations for fiscal years 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012 for the U.S. 

Fire Administration, and for other purposes. 

The Subcommittee on Technology and Innovation met to consider 

H.R. 4847 on Thursday, February 15, 2008 and considered the following amendment to the bill: 

Mr. Mitchell offered a manager’s amendment to change references in the bill to ‘‘voluntary national consensus standards’’ to 

‘‘national voluntary consensus standards’’, the preferred term, and 

to make a technical change to subsection (c) of section 4. 


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Mr. Gingrey moved that the Subcommittee favorably report the 

bill, H.R. 4847, as amended, to the Full Committee. The motion 

was agreed to by voice vote. 

The Full Committee on Science and Technology met on Wednesday, February 27, 2008, to consider H.R. 4847 and the following 

amendments to the bill: 

An amendment was offered by Mr. Mitchell to make technical 

changes to the language in section 4 and to broaden the types of 

organizations that Administrator is authorized to enter into contracts with to deliver USFA training to state and local fire service 

personnel, to include groups that, at the time of contracting, offer 

training to state and local personnel on behalf of another Federal 

agency. The amendment was adopted by voice vote. 

An amendment was offered by Mr. Gingrey to authorize the U.S. 

Fire Administrator to conduct studies, either directly or through 

contracts or grants, on the operation and management aspects of 

fire service-based emergency medical services. The amendment was 

adopted by voice vote. 

An amendment was offered by Ms. Richardson to require the 

U.S. Fire Administration, in consultation with the National Fire 

Academy Superintendent, to consolidate and integrate into the current National Fire Academy curriculum a course on incident command training for fire service personnel fighting fires at U.S. ports 

and in marine environments, including on the water and shipboard 

fires. The amendment was adopted by voice vote. 

Mr. Baird moved that the Committee favorably report the bill, 

H.R. 4847, as amended to the House with the recommendation that 

the bill, as amended, do pass, and that the staff be instructed to 

make technical and conforming changes to the bill as amended and 

prepare the legislative report and that the Chairman take all necessary steps to bring the bill before the house for consideration. 

The motion was agreed to by voice vote. 

VI. SUMMARY OF MAJOR PROVISIONS OF THE BILL

H.R. 4847 authorizes a total of $292 million for the U.S. Fire Administration for fiscal years 2009 through 2012. It also authorizes 

the National Fire Academy to engage in training activities related 

to firefighting in the wildland-urban interface; multiple, largescale fires that cross jurisdictions and stretch resources; hazardous 

material incidents; and advanced topics in emergency medical services (EMS). The bill authorizes the U.S. Fire Administrator to enter 

into contracts with qualified third-party organizations to deliver 

USFA training to state and local entities, and the bill requires 

USFA, in every third annual report to Congress, to detail any 

changes made to the Fire Academy curriculum, and to provide the 

rational and objectives for those changes. The bill requires the Administrator to consolidate and integrate into the NFA curriculum 

a course on incident command training for fires at ports and in marine environments. H.R. 4847 authorizes the Administrator to 

spend up to $5 million over three years to update and improve the 

National Fire Incident Reporting System to allow real-time, webbased reporting that will provide data to users in a more timely 

and efficient manner. The bill requires USFA to keep an updated 

website of past and present research projects, and requires the Administrator to educate local fire departments on national voluntary 


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consensus standards for firefighter health and safety and to promote their adoption. Lastly, H.R. 4847 requires the Administrator 

to include EMS in his liaison and coordination activities across the 

Federal Government, and it authorizes the Administrator to conduct studies of the operation and management aspects of fire 

based-EMS. 

VII. SECTION-BY-SECTION ANALYSIS

Section 1. Short title 

The United States Fire Administration Reauthorization Act of 

2008’’

Section 2. Findings 

Finds that the rate of life and property loss due to fire in the 

U.S. is still one of the highest in the industrialized world and that 

a significant number of firefighters die or suffer injury each year. 

Finds that the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) provides vital resources and leadership to the Nation’s fire service and should have 

a prominent voice at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). 

Section 3. Authorizations of appropriations 

Authorizes appropriations: $70,000,000 for FY2009; $72,100,000 

for FY2010; $74,263,000 for FY2011; and $76,490,890 for FY2012. 

Each fiscal year, 3.6 percent of the funds authorized are authorized 

to be used to carry out fire technology research and related activities. 

Section 4. National Fire Academy training program modifications 

and reports 

Amends the list of training activities the National Fire Academy 

is authorized to engage in by expanding terrorism specific catastrophe response to all-hazard catastrophe response; authorizes 

training for response to large-scale fire events that involve multiple 

jurisdictions and stretch resources; authorizes training for firefighting activities in the wildland-urban interface; authorizes training for fire and emergencies involving hazardous materials; and authorizes training for advanced issues related to emergency medical 

services. 

Requires the Administrator to include a description of any 

changes to the National Fire Academy (NFA) curriculum in every 

third annual USFA report to Congress. 

Authorizes the Administrator to enter into contracts to provide 

on-site training through accredited or otherwise qualified organizations experienced with delivering such training. 

Requires the Administrator to consolidate and integrate into the 

NFA curriculum a course on incident command for fires in marine 

and port environments into the NFA’s incident command training. 

Section 5. National Fire Incident Reporting System improvements 

Authorizes the Administrator to use a maximum of $5 million 

dollars from the total appropriated over the years FY2009 to 

FY2011 to upgrade the National Fire incident Reporting System 

(NFIRS). 


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Section 6. Fire technology assistance and research dissemination 

Authorizes USFA to engage in research related to technologies, 

techniques, approaches, etc., to address fire suppression and prevention for fires in the wildland-urban interface. 

Requires USFA to maintain a web database of research and related activities. 

Section 7. Encouraging the adoption of standards for firefighter 

health and safety 

Directs the Administrator to promote the adoption of national 

voluntary consensus standards for firefighter health and safety by 

educating the fire service; encouraging standards adoption at all 

levels of government; and making recommendations on other ways 

the Federal government can encourage state, local, and federal fire 

agencies to comply with these standards. 

Sec. 8. Coordination on fire service-based emergency medical services 

Amends Section 21(e) of the Federal Fire Prevention and Control 

Act of 1974 by directing the Administrator to include fire servicebased emergency medical services (EMS) in his liaison and coordination activities across the Federal government. 

Authorizes the Administrator to conduct studies, either directly 

or through contracts, on the operations and management aspects of 

fire service-based EMS. 

Sec. 9. Definitions 

Defines wildland urban interface and hazardous materials. 

VIII. COMMITTEE VIEWS

GENERAL VIEWS

The U.S. Fire Administration’s mission is to reduce the loss of 

life and property from fire and related emergencies. The agency accomplishes this mission by providing critical resources and leadership to firefighters and fire personnel around the country. Each 

year, fire injures and kills more Americans than all other natural 

disasters combined. While this number has significantly decreased 

since USFA’s establishment in 1974, the U.S. still has one of the 

highest rates of death and injury from fire in the industrialized 

world. 

Firefighters are the Nation’s primary local first responders. They 

are the first responders to a wide scope of incidents, which includes 

hurricanes, terrorist attacks, vehicular accidents, and wildland 

fires that encroach into communities. USFA’s fire service training 

programs, educational and fire awareness programs, fire data collection, and fire related research activities help the fire service 

meet these dynamic and growing challenges. The Committee urges 

USFA to maintain a multi-hazards approach in the agency’s training and programs. 

USFA is the main voice for the fire service within the Federal 

Government. The President’s FY2009 budget request transfers 

USFA from a stand-alone account to the FEMA Operations, Management, and Administration account. The U.S. Fire Administration was created in response to specifically address the high loss 


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of life, injury, and damage from fire endured by the Nation each 

year. Fire death rates in the U.S. are among the highest in the industrialized world and the country still faces over $11 billion in 

property losses each year. The Committee feels there is still a 

strong need for an agency with a mission specifically devoted to reducing losses from fire. This authorization underscores the importance the Committee places on USFA as an intact, stand-alone account rather than one subsumed into an agency with a much 

broader mandate. 

AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS

The Committee feels that the authorization levels set out in this 

bill are consistent with providing for USFA to fully carry out its 

mission to protect the public and enhance the Nation’s firefighting 

and emergency response capability. 

DIRECT DELIVERY OF USFA TRAINING

The Administrator is authorized to use up to four percent of the 

USFA budget for training through the National Fire Academy 

(NFA) for delivering training directly to state and local fire personnel. Section 4 explicitly authorizes the Administrator to contract 

through qualified third-party organizations to deliver this training 

to state and local fire service personnel. To qualify, groups must either have the proper accreditation from a nationally recognized organization experienced in offering such accreditation or they must 

already offer relevant training through another Federal agency. 

The Committee believes that the Administrator should have the 

discretion to contract with qualified organizations to offer USFA 

training if the training is equivalent to the training USFA offers; 

will benefit local first responders; and does not place unnecessary 

costs on the Federal government. The Committee believes that this 

flexibility will give USFA a range of options that will allow the 

agency to deliver the best possible training to firefighters. 

NATIONAL FIRE INCIDENT REPORTING SYSTEM (NFIRS)

Section 5 authorizes the Administrator to use up to $5 million to 

improve NFIRS over three years. NFIRS provides data vital to 

tracking trends in fires and other emergency incidents across the 

country. However, currently only about half of these incidents are 

captured by the system. Local departments send their data by 

paper or computer file to a state agency who will then periodically 

upload data to the NFIRS database at the National Fire Data Center. The delayed pace at which data are reported and posted decreases the database’s utility to local decision makers. The Committee believes USFA should modernize this system to create a 

user friendly, web-based interface that will speed up incident reporting, capture a higher percentage of the fire and emergency incidents across the country, and be useful to fire personnel and policy 

makers. 

COORDINATION OF FIRE SERVICE-BASED EMERGENCY MEDICAL

SERVICES (EMS)

Emergency medical care has become an increasingly important 

part of fire-service training and response. In many localities these 


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services are provided through fire service- based medical systems 

that provide cross-training between firefighting and emergency 

medical treatment. In other localities EMS is provided by thirdparty entities that coordinate with fire-services to respond to emergencies that require medical intervention in addition to safety and 

rescue expertise. The Committee believes that the Administrator 

must recognize the growing role of EMS within many fire departments and provide appropriate services to those departments. 

It is the Committee’s intent that as a general practice the Administrator shall utilize the programs and research available from 

the DHS Office of Health Affairs, National Highway Traffic Safety 

Administration, Department of Health and Human Services, and 

other relevant federal agencies in developing recommendations for 

the operations and management of fire services with the proviso 

that all out-of-hospital medical care should be provided under medical direction. The Administrator shall seek inclusion on appropriate coordination mechanisms such as the Federal Interagency 

Committee on Emergency Medical Services (42 U.S.C. § 300d–4). To 

the extent that information is not available through these partners, 

the Administrator may conduct new studies focused on the needs 

of fire services. 

IX. COST ESTIMATE

A cost estimate and comparison prepared by the Director of the 

Congressional Budget Office under section 402 of the Congressional 

Budget Act of 1974 has been timely submitted to the Committee on 

Science and Technology prior to the filing of this report and is included in Section X of this report pursuant to House Rule XIII, 

clause 3(c)(3). 

H.R. 4847 does not contain new budget authority, credit authority, or changes in revenues or tax expenditures. Assuming that the 

sums authorized under the bill are appropriated, H.R. 4847 does 

authorize additional discretionary spending, as described in the 

Congressional Budget Office report on the bill, which is contained 

in Section X of this report. 

X. CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET OFFICE COST ESTIMATE

H.R. 4847—United States Fire Administration Reauthorization Act 

of 2008 

Summary: H.R. 4847 would reauthorize the United States Fire 

Administration (USFA) through 2012. The USFA conducts research 

and development in fire-related technology, collects and disseminates information about fire and other emergency incidents, and 

provides training to firefighters and emergency responders. Based 

on historical expenditure data and assuming appropriation of the 

specified amounts, CBO estimates that implementing H.R. 4847 

would cost $291 million over the 2009–2013 period. Enacting this 

legislation would not affect direct spending or revenues. 

H.R. 4847 contains no intergovernmental or private-sector mandates as defined in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (UMRA) 

and would impose no costs on state, local, or tribal governments. 

Estimated cost to the Federal Government: The estimated budgetary impact of H.R. 4847 is shown in the following table. The costs 


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12 

of this legislation fall within budget function 450 (community and 

regional development). 

By fiscal year, in millions of dollars— 

2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 

CHANGES IN SPENDING SUBJECT TO APPROPRIATION 

Spending Under Current Law for the U.S. Fire Administration: 

Budget Authority .............................................................................. 43 0 0 0 0 0 

Estimated Outlays ........................................................................... 42 13 0 0 0 0 

Proposed Changes: 

Authorization Level .......................................................................... 0 70 72 74 76 0 

Estimated Outlays ........................................................................... 0 49 71 73 75 23 

Spending Under H.R. 4847 for the U.S. Fire Administration: 

Authorization Level/Budget Authority .............................................. 43 70 72 74 76 0 

Estimated Outlays ........................................................................... 42 62 71 73 75 23 

Basis of estimate: H.R. 4847 would authorize the appropriation 

of $292 million over the 2009–2012 period for the USFA to carry 

out research and development activities related to fire technology, 

collect and disseminate information through the National Fire Data 

Center, and provide training to firefighters and emergency responders. Such funding would include $5 million to upgrade the 

National Fire Incident Reporting System to accommodate real-time, 

Web-based incident reporting. In 2008, the Congress appropriated 

about $43 million to the USFA (see Public Law 110–161). 

In addition to its current activities, H.R. 4847 would authorize 

several new functions for the USFA. The bill would direct the National Fire Academy to provide training on: incidents occurring at 

ports and in areas where structures and other human development 

intersect with undeveloped land, multi-jurisdictional fires, hazardous materials incidents, and advanced emergency medical services. The Administrator of the USFA would be authorized to enter 

into contracts with qualified organizations to provide on-site training in those and other fire-related topics to firefighters and emergency personnel. The bill also would direct USFA to conduct several studies on the operation, management, and coordination of fire 

and emergency medical services. 

Based on historical expenditure patterns, CBO estimates that 

implementing H.R. 4847 would cost $291 million over the 2009–

2013 period. This estimate assumes that the bill will be enacted by 

the end of fiscal year 2008 and that the amounts authorized by the 

bill will be appropriated for each fiscal year. 

Intergovernmental and private-sector impact: H.R. 4847 contains 

no intergovernmental or private-sector mandates as defined in 

UMRA and would impose no costs on state, local, or tribal governments. Those governments would benefit from the authorization of 

appropriations in the bill for grants, training, and technical assistance. 

Estimate prepared by: Federal costs: Daniel Hoople; Impact on 

state, local, and tribal governments: Melissa Merrell; Impact on the 

private sector: Amy Petz. 

Estimate approved by: Theresa Gullo, Deputy Assistant Director 

for Budget Analysis. 


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13 

XI. COMPLIANCE WITH PUBLIC LAW 104–4 

H.R. 4847 contains no unfunded mandates. 

XII. COMMITTEE OVERSIGHT FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

The oversight findings and recommendations of the Committee 

on Science and Technology are reflected in the body of this report. 

XIII. STATEMENT ON GENERAL PERFORMANCE GOALS AND

OBJECTIVES

Pursuant to clause (3)( c) of House rule XIII, the goal of H.R. 

4847 is to reauthorize the U.S. Fire Administration and enable 

USFA to meet the evolving needs of the Nation’s fire service. 

XIV. CONSTITUTIONAL AUTHORITY STATEMENT

Article I, section 8 of the Constitution of the United States 

grants Congress the authority to enact H.R. 4847. 

XV. FEDERAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE STATEMENT

H.R. 4847 does not establish nor authorize the establishment of 

any advisory committee. 

XVI. CONGRESSIONAL ACCOUNTABILITY ACT

The Committee finds at H.R. 4847 does not relate to the terms 

and conditions of employment or access to public services or accommodations within the meaning of section 102(b)(3) of the Congressional Accountability Act (Public Law 104–1). 

XVII. EARMARK IDENTIFICATION

H.R. 4847 does not contain any congressional earmarks, limited 

tax benefits, or limited tariff benefits as defined in clause 9(d), 9(e), 

or 9(f) of Rule XXI. 

XVIII. STATEMENT ON PREEMPTION OF STATE, LOCAL, OR TRIBAL

LAW

This bill is not intended to preempt any state, local, or tribal law. 

XIX. CHANGES IN EXISTING LAW MADE BY THE BILL, AS REPORTED

In compliance with clause 3(e) of rule XIII of the Rules of the 

House of Representatives, changes in existing law made by the bill, 

as reported, are shown as follows (existing law proposed to be omitted is enclosed in black brackets, new matter is printed in italic, 

existing law in which no change is proposed is shown in roman): 

FEDERAL FIRE PREVENTION AND CONTROL ACT OF 

1974 

* * * * * * * 

DEFINITIONS

SEC. 4. As used in this Act, the term—


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14 

(1) * * * 

* * * * * * * 

(3) ‘‘Administrator’’ means the Administrator of the United 

States Fire øAdministration¿ Administration, who is the Assistant Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management 

Agency; 

* * * * * * * 

(6) ‘‘hazardous materials’’ has the meaning given such term 

in section 5102(2) of title 49, United States Code; 

ø(6)¿ (7) ‘‘local’’ means of or pertaining to any city, town, 

county, special purpose district, unincorporated territory, or 

other political subdivision of a State; 

ø(7)¿ (8) ‘‘place of public accommodation affecting commerce’’ means any inn, hotel, or other establishment not owned by the 

Federal Government that provides lodging to transient guests, 

except that such term does not include an establishment treated as an apartment building for purposes of any State or local 

law or regulation or an establishment located within a building 

that contains not more than 5 rooms for rent or hire and that 

is actually occupied as a residence by the proprietor of such establishment; øand¿ 

ø(8)¿ (9) ‘‘State’’ means any State, the District of Columbia, 

the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, the 

Canal Zone, Guam, American Samoa, the Trust Territory of 

the Pacific Islands and any other territory or possession of the 

United Statesø.¿; and 

(10) ‘‘wildland-urban interface’’ has the meaning given such 

term in section 101(16) of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act 

of 2003 (16 U.S.C. 6511(16)). 

* * * * * * * 

NATIONAL ACADEMY FOR FIRE PREVENTION AND CONTROL

SEC. 7. (a) * * * 

* * * * * * * 

(d) PROGRAM OF THE ACADEMY.—The Superintendent is authorized to—

(1) train fire service personnel in such skills and knowledge 

as may be useful to advance their ability to prevent and control fires, including, but not limited to—

(A) * * * 

* * * * * * * 

(H) response, tactics, and strategies for dealing with 

øterrorist-caused national catastrophes¿ terrorist-caused 

and other national catastrophes; 

(I) response, tactics, and strategies for fighting large-scale 

fires or multiple fires in a general area that cross jurisdictional boundaries; 

(J) response, tactics, and strategies for fighting fires occurring at the wildland-urban interface; 

(K) response, tactics, and strategies for fighting fires involving hazardous materials; 

(L) advanced emergency medical services training; 


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15 

ø(I)¿ (M) use of and familiarity with the Federal Response Plan; 

ø(J)¿ (N) leadership and strategic skills, including integrated management systems operations and integrated response; 

ø(K)¿ (O) applying new technology and developing strategies and tactics for fighting øforest¿ wildland fires; 

ø(L)¿ (P) integrating the activities of terrorism response 

agencies into national terrorism incident response systems; 

ø(M)¿ (Q) øresponse tactics and¿ response, tactics, and 

strategies for fighting fires at United States ports, including fires on the water and aboard vessels; and 

ø(N)¿ (R) the training of present and future instructors 

in the aforementioned subjects; 

* * * * * * * 

ø(f) ASSISTANCE.—The Administrator is authorized to provide assistance to State and local fire service training programs through 

grants, contracts, or otherwise. Such assistance shall not exceed 4 

per centum of the amount authorized to be appropriated in each 

fiscal year pursuant to section 17 of this Act.¿ 

(f) ASSISTANCE.— (1) IN GENERAL.—The Administrator is authorized to provide 

assistance to State and local fire service training programs 

through grants, contracts, or otherwise. 

(2) AUTHORIZATION TO ENTER INTO CONTRACTS TO PROVIDE

ON-SITE TRAINING THROUGH CERTAIN ACCREDITED ORGANIZA- TIONS.—

(A) IN GENERAL.—The Administrator is authorized to 

enter into a contract with one or more nationally recognized 

organizations that have established on-site training programs that comply with national voluntary consensus 

standards for fire service personnel to facilitate the delivery 

of the education and training programs outlined in subsection (d)(1) directly to fire service personnel. 

(B) RESTRICTIONS.—The Administrator shall not enter 

into a contract with such organization unless such organization—

(i) operates a fire service training program accredited 

by a nationally recognized accreditation organization 

experienced with accrediting such training; or 

(ii) at the time the Administrator enters into the contract, provides training under such a program under a 

cooperative agreement with a Federal agency. 

(3) RESTRICTION ON USE OF FUNDS.—The amounts expended 

by the Administrator to carry out this subsection in any fiscal 

year shall not exceed 4 per centum of the amount authorized to 

be appropriated in such fiscal year pursuant to section 17 of 

this Act. 

* * * * * * * 

(m) TRIENNIAL REPORT.—In the first annual report filed pursuant 

to section 16 for which the deadline for filing is after the expiration 

of the 18-month period that begins on the date of the enactment of 

the United States Fire Administration Reauthorization Act of 2008, 

and in every third annual report thereafter, the Administrator shall 


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16 

include information about changes made to the Academy curriculum, including— (1) the basis for such changes, including a review of the incorporation of lessons learned by emergency response personnel 

after significant emergency events and emergency preparedness 

exercises performed under the National Exercise Program; and 

(2) the desired training outcome of all such changes. 

FIRE TECHNOLOGY

SEC. 8. (a) * * * 

* * * * * * * 

(c) MANAGEMENT STUDIES.—(1) * * * 

(2) The Administrator is authorized to conduct, directly or 

through contracts or grants, studies of the operations and management aspects of fire service-based emergency medical services and 

coordination between emergency medical services and fire services. 

Such studies may include the optimum protocols for on-scene care, 

the allocation of resources, and the training requirements for fire 

service-based emergency medical services. 

ø(2)¿ (3) The Administrator is authorized to conduct, directly or 

through contracts or grants, research concerning the productivity 

and efficiency of fire service personnel, the job categories and skills 

required by fire services under varying conditions, the reduction of 

injuries to fire service personnel, the most effective fire prevention 

programs and activities, and techniques for accurately measuring 

and analyzing the foregoing. 

ø(3)¿ (4) The Administrator is authorized to conduct, directly or 

through contracts, grants, or other forms of assistance, development, testing, and demonstration projects to the extent deemed 

necessary to introduce and to encourage the acceptance of new 

technology, standards, operating methods, command techniques, 

and management systems for utilization by the fire services. 

ø(4)¿ (5) The Administrator is authorized to assist the Nation’s 

fire services, directly or through contracts, grants, or other forms 

of assistance, to measure and evaluate, on a cost-benefit basis, the 

effectiveness of the programs and activities of each fire service and 

the predictable consequences on the applicable local fire services of 

coordination or combination, in whole or in part, in a regional, metropolitan, or statewide fire service. 

(d) øRURAL ASSISTANCE.—The Administrator¿ RURAL AND

WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE ASSISTANCE.—(1) The Administrator 

is authorized to assist the Nation’s fire services, directly or through 

contracts, grants, or other forms of assistance, to sponsor and encourage research into approaches, techniques, systems, and equipment to improve fire prevention and control in the rural and remote areas of the Nation. 

(2) The Administrator is authorized to assist the Nation’s fire 

services, directly or through contracts, grants, or other forms of assistance, to sponsor and encourage research into approaches, techniques, systems, and equipment to improve fire prevention and control in the wildland-urban interface. 

* * * * * * * 

(h) RESEARCH DISSEMINATION.—Beginning 1 year after the date 

of the enactment of the United States Fire Administration ReauthorVerDate Aug 31 2005 05:40 Apr 01, 2008 Jkt 069006 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 6659 Sfmt 6603 E:\HR\OC\HR559.XXX HR559

wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with REPORTS
17 

ization Act of 2008, the Administrator, in collaboration with the relevant departments and agencies of the Federal Government, shall 

make available to the public information about all ongoing and 

planned fire-related research funded by the Administration during 

fiscal year 2007 and each fiscal year thereafter, as well as the results generated from such research, through a regularly updated 

Internet-based database. 

NATIONAL FIRE DATA CENTER

SEC. 9. (a) * * * 

(b) METHODS.—In carrying out the program of the Data Center, 

the Administrator is authorized to—

(1) * * * 

(2) encourage and øassist State,¿ assist Federal, State, local, 

and other agencies, public and private, in developing and reporting information; and 

* * * * * * * 

(d) NATIONAL FIRE INCIDENT REPORTING SYSTEM UPDATE.—Of 

the amounts made available pursuant to subparagraphs (E), (F), 

and (G) of section 17(g)(1), the Administrator shall use no more 

than an aggregate amount of $5,000,000 during the 3-year period 

consisting of fiscal years 2009, 2010, and 2011 to carry out activities necessary to update the National Fire Incident Reporting system 

to an Internet-based, real-time incident reporting database, including capital investment, contractor engagement, and user education. 

* * * * * * * 

AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS

SEC. 17. (a) * * * 

* * * * * * * 

(g)(1) Except as otherwise specifically provided with respect to 

the payment of claims under section 11 of this Act, there are authorized to be appropriated to carry out the purposes of this Act—

(A) * * * 

* * * * * * * 

(C) $66,796,000 for fiscal year 2007, of which $2,404,000 

shall be used to carry out section 8(f); øand¿ 

(D) $68,800,000 for fiscal year 2008, of which $2,476,000 

shall be used to carry out section 8(f)ø.¿; 

(E) $70,000,000 for fiscal year 2009, of which $2,520,000 

shall be used to carry out section 8; 

(F) $72,100,000 for fiscal year 2010, of which $2,595,600 

shall be used to carry out section 8; 

(G) $74,263,000 for fiscal year 2011, of which $2,673,468 

shall be used to carry out section 8; and 

(H) $76,490,890 for fiscal year 2012, of which $2,753,672 

shall be used to carry out section 8. 

* * * * * * * 


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18 

ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS

SEC. 21. (a) * * * 

* * * * * * * 

ø(e) COORDINATION.—To the extent practicable, the Administrator shall utilize existing programs, data, information, and facilities already available in other Federal Government departments 

and agencies and, where appropriate, existing research organizations, centers, and universities. The Administrator shall provide liaison at an appropriate organizational level to assure coordination 

of his activities with State and local government agencies, departments, bureaus, or offices concerned with any matter related to 

programs of fire prevention and control with private and other Federal organizations and offices so concerned.¿ 

(e) COORDINATION.—

(1) IN GENERAL.—To the extent practicable, the Administrator 

shall utilize existing programs, data, information, and facilities 

already available in other Federal Government departments 

and agencies and, where appropriate, existing research organizations, centers, and universities. 

(2) COORDINATION OF FIRE PREVENTION AND CONTROL PROGRAMS.—The Administrator shall provide liaison at an appropriate organizational level to assure coordination of the Administrator’s activities with State and local government agencies, 

departments, bureaus, or offices concerned with any matter related to programs of fire prevention and control with private 

and other Federal organizations and offices so concerned. 

(3) COORDINATION OF FIRE SERVICE-BASED EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES PROGRAMS.—The Administrator shall provide liaison at an appropriate organizational level to assure coordination of the Administrator’s activities with State and local government agencies, departments, bureaus, or offices concerned 

with programs related to emergency medical services provided 

by fire service-based systems with private and other Federal organizations and offices so concerned. 

* * * * * * * 

SEC. 37. ENCOURAGING ADOPTION OF STANDARDS FOR FIREFIGHTER 

HEALTH AND SAFETY. 

The Administrator shall promote adoption by fire services of national voluntary consensus standards for firefighter health and safety, including such standards for firefighter operations, training, 

staffing, and fitness, by educating fire services about such standards, encouraging the adoption at all levels of government of such 

standards, and making recommendations on other ways in which 

the Federal government can promote the adoption of such standards 

by fire services. 

XX. COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS

On February 27, 2008, the Committee on Science and Technology 

favorably reported The United States Fire Administration Reauthorization Act of 2008 by a voice vote, and recommended its enactment. 


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19 

XXI. PROCEEDINGS OF THE MARKUP BY THE 

SUBCOMMITTEE ON TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION ON H.R. 4847, THE UNITED 

STATES FIRE ADMINISTRATION REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2007 

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2008 

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SUBCOMMITTEE ON TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION, COMMITTEE ON SCIENCE, Washington, DC. 

The Subcommittee met, pursuant to call, at 10:15 a.m., in Room 

2318 of the Rayburn House Office Building, Hon. David Wu [Chairman of the Subcommittee] presiding. 

Chairman WU. Good morning. The Subcommittee on Technology 

and Innovation will now come to order. Pursuant to notice, the 

Subcommittee on Technology and Innovation meets to consider the 

following measures: H.R. 4847, the United States Fire Administration Reauthorization Act of 2007. It appears to me that we are no 

longer in 2007. Is that going to be an administrative amendment? 

Terrific—as read, 2007; H.R. 5161, the Green Transportation Infrastructure Research and Technology Transfer Act, and H.R. 3916, To 

provide for the next generation of border and maritime security technologies. 

We will now proceed with the markup, beginning with opening 

statements, and the Chairman recognizes himself. 

First of all, I would like to welcome everyone to the first Science 

and Technology Committee markup of 2008. We had a very productive first session in 2007, and I am looking forward to working with 

my colleagues to pass more good legislation this year. Today we 

will be considering three bills, each of which deals with protecting 

and enhancing our nation’s critical infrastructure our environment. 

H.R. 4847, introduced by the Vice Chair of the Subcommittee, Representative Mitchell, the gentleman from Arizona, and with Subcommittee Ranking Member Gingrey as an original co-sponsor, reauthorizes the United States Fire Administration. USFA is an important resource for our nation’s firefighters, providing training, 

fire safety awareness for the public, data collection services, and 

fire-suppression and prevention research and technology. I am 

pleased we are considering H.R. 4847 today, a bill worked on hard 

by both Republicans and Democrats, and will authorize USFA to 

continue its role as a leader and resource for the Nation’s fire service, and help enable firefighters to meet the dynamic and growing 

mission of the fire service in the 21st century. 

We will also be considering H.R. 5161, the Green Transportation 

Infrastructure Research and Technology Transfer Act. As you may 

remember, this past May, we heard from the Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Department of Transportation, as well as 

local governments and industry. They agreed that we have a great 

opportunity in this country to manage and protect our water resources through the use of innovative technologies and also serve 


wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with REPORTS
20 

as transportation infrastructure and as means for managing and 

filtering storm water runoff. 

The EPA witness, Assistant Administrator for Water, Ben Grumbles, is already making a great effort to promote the expanded use 

of such infrastructure around the U.S., but he and the other witnesses found a number of barriers, which this bill works to overcome through research and education programs at the U.S. Department of Transportation. 

Finally, H.R. 3916, introduced by Ranking Member Hall, authorizes programs at the Department of Homeland Security to improve 

the technology used to protect the Nation’s borders and ports of 

entry. Border security officers have an incredibly difficult job. It is 

part law enforcement, part first responder, part diplomat, and part 

detective. It is clear that these agents need the help of new technology to do their jobs better and to make our borders more secure. 

Technology can act as additional eyes and ears for Border Patrol 

agents. 

This bill has special importance for me, as these technologies 

help reinforce security efforts at ports in addition to land borders. 

The Port of Portland processed more than fourteen million tons of 

cargo in 2007, and our international airport also screened in a 

number of people coming in from overseas. I know that the hardworking officers managing security at the Port of Portland could 

use the assistance of these innovative technologies. 

These three bills share an important common theme: the use of 

research and technology to solve some of our nation’s most pressing 

problems. I am eager to join my colleagues on both sides of the 

aisle in advancing these important objectives. 

[The prepared statement of Chairman Wu follows:] 

PREPARED STATEMENT OF CHAIRMAN DAVID WU

First of all, I’d like to welcome everyone to the first Science and Technology Committee markup of 2008. We had a very productive first session, and I’m looking forward to working with my colleagues to pass good legislation this year. Today we 

will be considering three bills, each of which deals with protecting and enhancing 

our nation’s critical infrastructure and environment. 

H.R. 4847, introduced by the Vice Chair of the Subcommittee, Representative 

Mitchell, and with Subcommittee Ranking Member Gingrey as an original co-sponsor, reauthorizes the U.S. Fire Administration. The U.S. Fire Administration is an 

important resource for our nation’s firefighters, providing training, fire safety 

awareness for the public, data collection services, and fire suppression and prevention research and technology. 

I am pleased we are considering H.R. 4847 today, a bipartisan piece of legislation 

that will authorize USFA to continue its role as a leader and resource for the Nation’s firefighters, and help firefighters save lives and meet the dynamic mission of 

the fire service in the 21st century. 

We will also be considering H.R. 5161, the Green Transportation Infrastructure 

Research and Technology Transfer Act. This past May this subcommittee held a 

hearing that included witnesses from the Environmental Protection Agency, the 

U.S. Department of Transportation, and representatives of local government and industry. The witnesses agreed that we have a great opportunity to manage and protect our nation’s water resources by using of innovative techniques and technologies 

that simultaneously serve as transportation infrastructure and as means for managing and filtering storm water. 

The EPA witness, Assistant Administrator for Water Ben Grumbles, is already 

making great efforts to promote the expanded use of green infrastructure around 

the U.S. But he and the other witnesses described a number of barriers, which this 

bill works to overcome through research and education efforts at the U.S. Department of Transportation. 

Finally, H.R. 3916, introduced by Ranking Member Hall, authorizes programs at 

the Department of Homeland Security to improve the technology used to protect the 


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21 

Nation’s borders and ports of entry. Border security officers have an incredibly difficult job. It is part law enforcement, part first responder, part diplomat, and part 

detective. It is clear that these agents need the help of new technology to do their 

jobs better and to make our borders more secure. Technology can act as additional 

eyes and ears for Border Patrol agents. 

This bill has special importance for me, as these technologies help reinforce security efforts at ports in addition to land borders. The Port of Portland processed more 

than fourteen million tons of cargo in 2007, and I know that the hardworking officers managing security there could use the assistance these innovative technologies 

would provide. 

These three bills share an important common theme—the use of research and 

technology to solve some of our nation’s most pressing problems. I’m eager to join 

my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in advancing this important legislation. 

Chairman WU. And now, I recognize the Ranking Member of the 

Subcommittee, Dr. Gingrey, the gentleman from Georgia, to 

present his opening remarks. 

Mr. GINGREY. Chairman Wu, I thank you for holding this subcommittee markup on the three pieces of legislation that address 

a wide range of issues under the jurisdiction of the Technology and 

Innovation Subcommittee. We have the privilege today to be conducting the Science Committee’s first official business of the year, 

and the 2nd session of 110th Congress. 

Today, we consider H.R. 4847, the United States Fire Administration Reauthorization Act of 2007; H.R. 5161, the Green Transportation Infrastructure Research and Technology Transfer Act; and 

finally, H.R. 3916, a border-security technology bill. 

As we consider each piece of legislation, we will reaffirm that the 

Technology and Innovation Subcommittee plays an important role 

in a number of issues urgently facing our country. Today, we will 

be examining issues facing first responders in local communities on 

a daily basis, the impact that our transportation infrastructure has 

on the contamination of our water supplies, and developing the 

next-generation technologies for the Federal Government to keep 

our borders secure. 

Mr. Chairman, I want to also thank you for the way the Subcommittee has conducted the process by which each piece of legislation is being considered today. Each of the bills being marked up 

today has gone through a—what we all refer to and know as regular order. The Subcommittee held an individual hearing on each 

bill, last year in 2007, and that provided Members with the opportunity to ask questions of these experts, in order for us to be better 

informed as we crafted each bill to, hopefully, perfection or nearperfection. 

Furthermore, Mr. Chairman, I want to thank you. I want to 

thank you for allowing us to work in a bipartisan manner on each 

piece of legislation. As these three bills demonstrate, we can accomplish more for the American people when Republicans and Democrats work together. Mr. Chairman, I applaud you and your staff 

for working with me and my Republican staff on the Committee to 

balance all perspectives to make these bills sound policy. 

So Mr. Chairman, I hope this markup is an indication of how we 

can expect the Technology and Innovation Subcommittee to continue to operate throughout the year 2008. I look forward to working with on these issues that we will discuss and debate today, as 

well as other matters that will come before the Subcommittee for 

the rest of this year. 


wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with REPORTS
22 

And with that, Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my 

time. 

[The prepared statement of Mr. Gingrey follows:] 

PREPARED STATEMENT OF REPRESENTATIVE PHIL GINGREY

Chairman Wu, I want to thank you for holding this subcommittee mark-up on 

three pieces of legislation that address a wide range of issues under the jurisdiction 

of the Technology and Innovation Subcommittee. We have the privilege today to be 

conducting the Science Committee’s first official business of this year and the 2nd 

Session of the 110th Congress. 

Today, we consider H.R. 4847, the United States Fire Administration Reauthorization Act of 2007; H.R. 5161, the Green Transportation Infrastructure Research and 

Technology Transfer Act; and H.R. 3916, a border security technology bill. 

As we consider each piece of legislation, we will reaffirm that the Technology and 

Innovation Subcommittee plays an important role in a number of issues currently 

facing our country. Today, we will be examining issues facing first responders in 

local communities on a daily basis; the impact that our transportation infrastructure 

has on the contamination of our water supplies; and developing next generation 

technologies for the Federal Government to keep our borders secure. 

Mr. Chairman, I want to also thank you for the way the Subcommittee has conducted the process by which each piece of legislation is being considered today. Each 

of the bills being marked up today has gone through regular order. The Subcommittee held an individual hearing on each bill in 2007, providing Members the 

opportunity to ask questions of the experts in order for us to be better informed as 

we crafted each bill. Furthermore Mr. Chairman, I also want to thank you for allowing us to work in a bipartisan manner on each piece of legislation. As these three 

bills demonstrate, we can accomplish more for the American people when Republicans and Democrats work together. Mr. Chairman, I applaud you and your staff 

for working with me and the Republican staff on the Committee to balance all perspectives to make these bills into sound policy. Mr. Chairman, I hope that this 

markup is an indication of how we can expect the Technology and Innovation Subcommittee to continue to operate throughout 2008. I look forward to working with 

you on these issues that we will discuss and debate today, as well as other matters 

that will come before the Subcommittee for the rest of the year. 

With that Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time. 

Chairman WU. Thank you very much, Dr. Gingrey, and without 

objection, Members may place statement may place statements in 

the record at this point. 

We will now consider H.R. 4847, the United States Fire Administration Reauthorization Act of 2007. I yield to Mr. Mitchell, the 

gentleman from Arizona, five minutes to describe this bill. 

Mr. MITCHELL. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I am very pleased 

that the Subcommittee is marking up H.R. 4847, a bill to reauthorize the U.S. Fire Administration, introduced by myself with the 

original co-sponsorship of the Subcommittee Ranking Member, Dr. 

Gingrey. 

The wildfires this past fall in California reminded us all of the 

vital role the fire service plays in protecting our communities. Although we have made significant strides in reducing fire-related 

deaths and injuries since Congress created the Fire Administration 

in the early 1970s, over 3,000 Americans a year still die in fires, 

and many more than that are injured. The Nation also suffers over 

$11 billion in fire-related property losses, annually. Fire clearly 

continues to be a major problem in the U.S. 

The U.S. Fire Administration is an invaluable resource for the 

thousands of firefighters and emergency personnel around the 

country. Through training, educational materials, data collection, 

and other services, USFA provides tools and leadership to the fire 

service and the communities they serve. H.R. 4847 authorizes this 

important agency, for four years, at funding levels consistent for 

USFA to fully carry out its mission, and it authorizes USFA to 


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focus its resources on pressing challenges for today’s first responders, like fighting fires in the wild, and urban interface, and responding to incidents involving hazardous materials. 

The bill also directs the USFA to improve the national fire-incident reporting system, which provides important data on fire 

events to policy-makers at all levels of government. 

At the hearing the Subcommittee held last October, we learned 

that today’s firefighters are called on to respond to and prepare for 

an increasing number of emergencies. This reauthorization gives 

USFA the authority and direction to meet the dynamic and evolving mission of the Nation’s fire service. The bill also directs USFA 

to continue its leadership in addressing firefighter health and safety. Tragically, every year, over 100 firefighters die in the line of 

duty. H.R. 4847 directs the fire administrator to educate local departments on voluntary national-consensus standards that address 

firefighter health and safety and encourage communities to adopt 

these standards. 

H.R. 4847 is the product of bipartisan collaboration and considerable input from the fire service community. The resources and 

leadership of USFA are an essential part of the ability of the fire 

service to protect our cities, towns, and communities, and I urge 

the Subcommittee to pass this bill and report it out favorably, and 

I yield back the balance of my time. 

[The prepared statement of Mr. Mitchell follows:] 

PREPARED STATEMENT OF REPRESENTATIVE HARRY E. MITCHELL

Thank you Mr. Chairman. I’m very pleased that the Subcommittee is marking up 

H.R. 4847, a bill to reauthorize the U.S. Fire Administration, introduced by myself 

with the original co-sponsorship of the Subcommittee Ranking Member, Mr. 

Gingrey. 

The wildfires this past fall in California reminded us all of the vital role the fire 

service plays in protecting our communities. Although we have made significant 

strides in reducing fire related deaths and injuries since Congress created the Fire 

Administration in the early 1970’s, over 3,000 Americans a year still die in fires and 

many more than that are injured. The Nation also suffers over $11 billion fire-related property losses annually. Fire clearly continues to be a major problem in the 

U.S. 

The U.S. Fire Administration is an invaluable resource for the thousands of firefighters and emergency personnel around the country. Through training, educational materials, data collection, and other services, USFA provides tools and leadership to the fire service and the communities they serve. 

H.R. 4847 reauthorizes this important agency for four years at funding levels consistent for USFA to fully carry out its mission. It authorizes USFA to focus its resources on pressing challenges for today’s first responders, like fighting fires in the 

wildland-urban interface and responding to incidents involving hazardous materials. 

The bill also directs USFA to improve the National Fire Incident Reporting System, 

which provides important data on fire events to policy-makers at all levels of government. At the hearing the Subcommittee held last October, we learned that today’s firefighters are called on to respond to, and prepare for, an increasing number 

of emergencies. 

This reauthorization gives USFA the authority and direction to meet the dynamic 

and evolving mission of the Nation’s fire service. 

The bill also directs USFA to continue it leadership in addressing firefighter 

health and safety. Tragically, every year over 100 firefighters die in the line of duty. 

H.R. 4847 directs the Fire Administrator to educate local departments on voluntary 

national consensus standards that address firefighter health and safety and encourage communities to adopt these standards. 

H.R. 4847 is the product of bipartisan collaboration and considerable input from 

the fire service community. The resources and leadership of USFA are an essential 

part of the ability of the fire service to protect our cities, towns, and communities, 

and I urge the Subcommittee to pass this bill and report it out favorably. 


wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with REPORTS
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Chairman WU. Thank you very much, Mr. Mitchell, and now, I 

would like to recognize Dr. Gingrey, the co-sponsor of the legislation for any remarks that he may have. 

Mr. GINGREY. Mr. Chairman, I want to thank you for providing 

our subcommittee with the opportunity to consider H.R. 4847, the 

United States Fire Administration Reauthorization Act of 2007. 

As the lead Republican sponsor of this legislation, I want to commend, of course, the bill’s sponsor, Mr. Mitchell, from Arizona, for 

bringing forward this legislation to reauthorize the U.S. Fire Administration. I am very pleased that we have worked, again, in a 

bipartisan manner over these past few months to prepare the bill 

we have before us today. 

The mission of USFA is to reduce life and economic losses due 

to fire and related emergencies through leaderships, advocacy, coordination, and support. This organization provides vital assistance 

in the areas of training, fire education, and awareness, and it 

awards grants to a number of local fire departments across this 

country. These activities have made a substantial impact over the 

past 30 years. 

Mr. Chairman, it is important to note that because of the work 

of the USFA, smoke alarms are now standard issue in residences 

across the country. Over a million firefighters have received advanced training, and firefighter equipment and safety continually 

improves. USFA should be proud of its record of achievement; however, it is also clear that improvements can still be made. 

In the last ten years, deaths have—that are related to fires have 

decreased by approximately 25 percent, from nearly 5,000 in 1996 

to 3,675 in 2006. Although that decreases in fire-related deaths is 

commendable, the United States still has one of the highest death 

rates from fire in the entire industrialized world. Additionally, Mr. 

Chairman, despite decreases in the number of fires, direct-damage 

costs are increasing and surpassed $10 billion per year. To put it 

another way, in an average year, fires cause as much damage in 

the United States as hurricanes. That’s a surprising statistic. The 

reauthorization of USFA will allow the agency to continue to improve our preparedness and reduce our vulnerability to fire. 

Mr. Chairman, however, I think you know I have some concerns 

about the adequacy and potentially duplicative nature of fire-administrating activities in the realm of EMS services, emergency 

medical services, in regard to what is already provided in some 

communities. As we move forward on H.R. 4847, I hope that other 

Members of the Science Committee and the fire community can 

continue to discuss better ways to implement best practices for 

training, system design, and on-the-scene care for fire-based EMS, 

emergency medical services while making sure to work with the existing medical services in these communities. You can imagine a 

situation where you have three or four competing first responders, 

if you will, all skilled in cardiopulmonary resuscitation, fighting 

for—or trying to save the lives of either a victim or one of our 

brave firefighters, so I want to make sure you understand why I 

am concerned about that. I just want good, close coordination. 

The current bill is an important and well-crafted step forward for 

USFA. I urge all of my colleagues on the Subcommittee to support 

the bill and support the upcoming manager’s amendment. It makes 


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minor, technical changes to the underlying legislation. And with 

that, Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time. 

Chairman WU. I thank the gentleman, and I understand that 

Mr. Hall, the Ranking Member of the Full Committee, would like 

to make a statement at this point. 

Mr. HALL. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and I will be brief. I just 

want to add to what the gentleman from Georgia said. You know, 

we have always heard it said that water and fire are wonderful 

friends but fearful enemies, and we have to appreciate both of 

them, water and fire, for the good they do, but we know that they 

bring devastation. And the tornado that hit over in Kentucky and 

Tennessee brought to light the work of the firefighters and the 

good work that they do. 

I think it is a shame that it took 9/11 for the American people 

to really, truly appreciate firefighters and others that defend us 

and protect our property and our lives, so I think it is great to take 

our hat off to them, and express our thanks and our gratitude to 

them. I thank the Chairman for having this hearing, and I thank 

the gentleman from Georgia for his very appropriate statements. I 

am very pro-firefighters. I don’t know how you can say enough 

about the good things they have done, but they are part of the 

treasures of this country, and it is good for this committee and for 

this Congress to honor them every chance we get. I yield back my 

time. 

Chairman WU. Thank you, Mr. Hall, and as always, your comments are so pithy and also provide a launch point. You referred 

to the fearsome adversarial nature of fire and water, potentially, 

and I just want to add that what was ignored prior to our amendments that this committee worked—the Full Committee, six years 

ago, fire on water, that’s marine fires, were not included in eligible 

training programs and research under the fire administration, and 

that’s something we changed, this committee changed, several 

years ago, and that is an important change that we retain in the 

current legislation. Thank you for your comments, and thank you 

Dr. Gingrey and Mr. Mitchell. 

I ask unanimous consent that the bill be considered as read and 

open to amendment at any point, and that Members proceed with 

amendments in the order of the roster. Without objection, so ordered. 

The first amendment on the roster is a manager’s amendment offered by the gentleman from Arizona. Mr. Mitchell, are you ready 

to proceed with your amendment? 

Mr. MITCHELL. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk. 

Chairman WU. The Clerk will report the amendment. 

The CLERK. Amendment to H.R. 4847 offered by Mr. Mitchell of 

Arizona. 

Chairman WU. I ask unanimous consent to dispense with the 

reading. Without objection, so ordered. 

I recognize the gentleman from Arizona for five minutes to explain his amendment. 

Mr. MITCHELL. I thank you, Mr. Chairman. I am introducing this 

amendment to H.R. 4847 to change references in the bill to ‘‘voluntary national consensus standards’’ to read ‘‘national voluntary 

consensus standards,’’ the preferred term. It also makes a technical 

change to Subsection C of Section 4. 


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And I yield back. 

Chairman WU. I think the gentleman. Is there further discussion 

of the amendment? If not, the vote occurs on the amendment. All 

in favor, say aye. Those opposed, say no. The ayes have it, and the 

amendment is agreed to. 

Are there any other amendments? Hearing none, the vote is on 

the bill H.R. 4847, the United States Fire Administration Reauthorization Act of 2007, as amended. All those in favor will say aye. All 

those opposed will say no. In the opinion of the Chair, the ayes 

have it. 

I now recognize Dr. Gingrey to make a motion. 

Mr. GINGREY. Mr. Chairman, I move that the Subcommittee favorably report H.R. 4847, as amended, to the Full Committee, and 

furthermore, I move that staff be instructed to prepare the Subcommittee legislative report and make necessary technical and conforming changes to the bill, as amended, in accordance with the 

recommendation of the Subcommittee. 

Chairman WU. The question is on the motion to report the bill 

favorably. Those in favor of the motion will signify by saying aye. 

Opposed will say no. The ayes have it, and the bill is favorably reported. 

Without objection, the motion to reconsider is laid upon the table. 

Subcommittee Members may submit additional or Minority views 

on the measure. 

I want to thank Members of the Committee and the Subcommittee for their attendance, and with our typical, across-theaisle-workmanship is not the right term, but our work across the 

aisle, and our head-spinning efficiency. We have again moved multiple pieces of legislation and conclude this subcommittee markup. 

Thank you all very much. 

[Whereupon, at 11:05 a.m., the Subcommittee was adjourned.] 


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Appendix: 

H.R. 4847, SECTION-BY-SECTION ANALYSIS, AMENDMENT ROSTER


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SECTION-BY-SECTION ANALYSIS OF

H.R. 4847, U.S. FIRE ADMINISTRATION REAUTHORIZATION OF 2007 

Section 1. Short Title 

‘‘The United States Fire Administration Reauthorization Act of 2007’’

Section 2. Findings 

Finds that the rate of life and property loss due to fire in the U.S. is still one 

of the highest in the industrialized world and that a significant number of firefighters die or suffer injury each year. Finds that USFA provides vital resources and 

leadership to the Nation’s fire service and should have a prominent voice at the Department of Homeland Security. 

Section 3. Authorization of Appropriations 

Authorizes appropriations: $70,000,000 for FY 2009; $72,100,000 for FY 2010; 

$74,263,000 for FY 2011; and $76,490,890 for FY 2012. Each fiscal year, 3.6 percent 

of the funds authorized are authorized to be used to carry out fire technology research and related activities. 

Section 4. National Fire Academy Training Program Modifications and Reports 

Amends the list of training activities the National Fire Academy (NFA) is authorized to engage in by broadening authorized NFA training activities from terrorism 

specific to all-hazard; authorize training for response to large-scale fire events that 

involve multiple jurisdictions and stretch resources; authorize training for firefighting activities in the wildland-urban interface; authorize training for hazmat 

firefighting; and authorize training for advanced issues related to emergency medical services. 

Requires the Administrator to include a description of any changes to the NFA 

curriculum in every third USFA yearly report to Congress. 

Authorizes the Administrator to enter into contracts to provide on-site training 

through accredited or otherwise qualified organizations experienced with delivering 

such training. 

Section 5. National Fire Incident Reporting System Upgrades 

Authorizes the Administrator to use a maximum of $5 million dollars from the 

total appropriated over the years FY 2009 to FY 2011 to upgrade NFIRS. 

Section 6. Fire Technology Assistance and Research Dissemination 

Authorizes USFA to engage in research related to technologies, techniques, approaches, etc., to address fire suppression and prevention for fires in the wildlandurban interface. 

Requires USFA to maintain a web database of these activities. 

Section 7. Encouraging the Adoption of Standards for Firefighter Health 

and Safety 

Directs the Administrator to promote the adoption of national voluntary consensus standards for firefighter health and safety by educating the fire service, encouraging their adoption at all levels of government and making recommendations 

on other ways the Federal Government can encourage State, local, and federal fire 

agencies to comply with these standards. 

Section 8. Coordination on Fire Service-Based Emergency Medical Services 

Amends Section 21(e) of the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974 by 

directing the Administrator to include fire service-based emergency medical services 

in his liaison and coordination activities across the Federal Government. 

Section 9. Definitions 

Defines wildland-urban interface and hazardous materials. 


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XXII. PROCEEDINGS OF THE FULL COMMITTEE MARKUP ON H.R. 4847, THE UNITED 

STATES FIRE ADMINISTRATION REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2007 

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2008 

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, COMMITTEE ON SCIENCE, 

Washington, DC. 

The Committee met, pursuant to call, at 10:06 a.m., in Room 

2318 of the Rayburn House Office Building, Hon. Bart Gordon 

[Chairman of the Committee] presiding. 

Chairman GORDON. The Committee will come to order pursuant 

to notice the Committee on Science and Technology meets to consider the following measures: H.R. 4847, the United States Fire Administration Reauthorization Act of 2007; H.R. 5161, the Green 

Transportation Infrastructure Research and Technology Transfer 

Act; and H.R. 3916, To provide for the next generation of border and 

maritime security technologies. 

I would like to welcome everyone to this morning’s markup, the 

first Full Committee markup of 2008. Today we will consider the 

three bills reported out of the Technology and Innovation Subcommittee with unanimous support. These three bills deal with 

public safety, improving the environment and border security, addressing some of the Nation’s most pressing issues. 

H.R. 4847, introduced by the Vice Chair of the Subcommittee, 

Representative Mitchell, and co-sponsored by the Subcommittee 

Ranking Member Gingrey, reauthorizes the U.S. Fire Administration. 

The U.S. Fire Administration is an important resource for our 

nation’s firefighters, providing training, fire safety awareness for 

the public, data collection, and R&D on fire suppression and prevention research and technology. 

This important bill will help ensure the continued success of the 

USFA in its mission to protect lives and property from fire. 

We will also consider H.R. 5161, the Green Transportation Infrastructure Research and Technology Transfer Act, introduced by 

Chairman Wu. 

This bipartisan bill supports the development and use of green 

technology to protect our nation’s water supply through innovative 

technologies and materials that can be integrated into transportation infrastructure such as roads and parking lots. By filtering 

stormwater and slowing runoff, green infrastructure mitigates pollution while saving money and energy. 

The bill builds upon the good work going on now in the Department of Transportation to promote green infrastructure widespread 

use. 

Finally, H.R. 3916, introduced by Ranking Member Hall, authorizes programs at the Department of Homeland Security to improve 

technology used to protect the Nation’s borders and ports of entry. 


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Border Patrol agents are responsible for securing nearly 7,000 

miles of land borders to the north and south, as well as 95,000 

miles of shoreline. Technology can play a vital role in extending observational capabilities, helping Border Patrol agents locate suspects, and monitor the border more efficiently. 

Mr. Hall’s bill authorizes important programs to enhance the 

Border Patrol’s ability to carry out its mission by supporting shortand long-term research priorities. It also ensures that new technologies will be useful to Border Patrol agents by mandating that 

DHS work to meet cost and training needs to end-users when developing these technologies. 

I want to commend the T&I Subcommittee for bringing these 

issues to the Committee’s attention. All three of these bills were 

developed via a regular order process of identifying the problem, 

holding a hearing, and then developing legislation. 

I strongly support each of these bills and look forward to working 

with my colleagues on the Committee to advance this important 

legislation. 

[The prepared statement of Chairman Gordon follows:] 

PREPARED STATEMENT OF CHAIRMAN BART GORDON

Full Committee Mark-Up: 

• H.R. 4847, the United States Fire Administration Reauthorization Act of 2007; 

• H.R. 5161, the Green Transportation Infrastructure Research and Technology 

Transfer Act; 

• H.R. 3916, To provide for the next generation of border and maritime security technologies 

I’d like to welcome everyone to this morning’s markup, the first Full Committee 

markup of 2008. 

Today we will consider three bills reported out of the Technology and Innovation 

Subcommittee with unanimous support. These three bills deal with public safety, 

improving the environment and border security—addressing some of the Nation’s 

most pressing issues. 

H.R. 4847, introduced by the Vice Chair of the Subcommittee, Representative 

Mitchell, and co-sponsored by Subcommittee Ranking Member Gingrey, reauthorizes 

the U.S. Fire Administration. The U.S. Fire Administration is an important resource 

for our nation’s firefighters, providing training, fire safety awareness for the public, 

data collection, and R&D on fire suppression and prevention research and technology. This important bill will help ensure the continued success of the USFA in 

its mission to protect lives and property from fire. 

We will also consider H.R. 5161, the Green Transportation Infrastructure Research 

and Technology Transfer Act, introduced by Chairman Wu. This bipartisan bill supports the development and use of green technology to protect our nation’s water supply through innovative techniques and materials that can be integrated into transportation infrastructure such as roads and parking lots. By filtering stormwater and 

slowing runoff, green infrastructure mitigates pollution while saving money and energy. This bill builds upon the good work going on at the Department of Transportation to promote green infrastructure’s widespread use. 

Finally, H.R. 3916, introduced by Ranking Member Hall, authorizes programs at 

the Department of Homeland Security to improve the technology used to protect the 

Nation’s borders and ports of entry. Border Patrol agents are responsible for securing nearly seven thousand miles of land borders to the North and South, as well 

as ninety-five thousand miles of shoreline. While our current corps of Border Patrol 

agents is doing a commendable job, their job is daunting. Technology can play a 

vital role in extending observational capabilities, helping Border Patrol agents locate suspects and monitor the border more effectively. 

Mr. Hall’s bill authorizes important programs to enhance the Border Patrol’s ability to carry out its mission by supporting short- and long-term research priorities. 

It also ensures that new technologies will be useful to Border Patrol agents by manVerDate Aug 31 2005 05:40 Apr 01, 2008 Jkt 069006 PO 00000 Frm 00044 Fmt 6601 Sfmt 6621 E:\HR\OC\HR559.XXX HR559

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dating that DHS work to meet cost and training needs of end-users when developing 

these technologies. 

I want to commend the T&I Subcommittee for bringing these issues to the Committee’s attention. All three of these bills were developed via a regular order process 

of identifying the problem, holding a hearing, and then developing legislation. 

I strongly support each of these bills, and look forward to working with my colleagues on the Committee to advance this important legislation. 

Chairman GORDON. I now recognize Mr. Hall to present opening 

remarks. 

Mr. HALL. I thank you, Chairman Gordon. I am looking forward 

to a productive start for the Committee in this second session of 

the 110th Congress. 

Today the Full Committee is considering three bills previously 

considered by the Technology and Innovation Subcommittee. As 

you have said to begin with, we will be considering the reauthorization for the United States Fire Administration. USFA provides critical support to our nation’s firefighters through training, through 

research and development, and logistical support. This is an extremely important agency in this committee’s jurisdiction, and I 

would like to thank Mr. Mitchell and Dr. Gingrey for their hard 

work over the past few months on this matter. 

Now, we will be considering Mr. Wu’s Green Transportation Infrastructure Bill, which provides funding for the Department of 

Transportation’s University Transportation Centers to examine and 

hopefully implement technologies that significantly reduce nonpoint source water pollution from our roadways and other paved 

surfaces. 

Finally, H.R. 3916, a bill near and dear to me, focuses on the 

technology needs for the Border Patrol and the U.S. Coast Guard. 

I started writing this bill last year in response to a real need to 

develop and employ next generation technologies to help secure our 

border. I am pleased that many Members of the Committee on both 

sides of the aisle have co-sponsored this bill, and I would like to 

thank all of you for supporting my bill. I thank you, Chairman Gordon, specifically for your support and guidance. 

These are all significant pieces of legislation that the Committee 

can be proud of advancing. I look forward to working with Chairman Gordon to insure that these bills continue to progress through 

their other committee referrals and onto the House Floor. 

I yield back. 

[The prepared statement of Mr. Hall follows:] 

PREPARED STATEMENT OF REPRESENTATIVE RALPH M. HALL

Thank you Chairman Gordon, I’m looking forward to a productive start for the 

Committee in this second session of the 110th Congress. Today the Full Committee 

is considering three bills previously considered by the Technology and Innovation 

Subcommittee. To begin we’ll be considering the reauthorization for the United 

States Fire Administration (USFA). USFA provides critical support to our nation’s 

firefighters through training, research and development, and logistical support. This 

is an extremely important agency in this committee’s jurisdiction and I’d like to 

thank Mr. Mitchell and Dr. Gingrey for their hard work over the past few months 

on this matter. 

Next we’ll be considering Mr. Wu’s green transportation infrastructure bill, which 

provides funding for the Department of Transportation’s University Transportation 

Centers to examine and hopefully implement technologies that significantly reduce 

non-point source water pollution from our roadways and other paved surfaces. 

Finally, H.R. 3916, a bill near and dear to me, focuses on the technology needs 

of the Border Patrol and U.S. Coast Guard. I began writing this bill last year in 


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response to a real need to develop and employ next generation technologies to help 

secure our border. I’m pleased that many Members of this committee on both sides 

of the aisle have co-sponsored the bill and I’d like to thank all of you for supporting 

my bill. 

These are all significant pieces of legislation that the Committee can be proud of 

advancing. I look forward to working with Chairman Gordon to ensure that these 

bills continue to progress through their other Committee referrals and onto the 

House Floor. 

Chairman GORDON. Thank you, Mr. Hall. You can be assured 

that we will all be working together to see these bills go to the 

Floor and then find a way to the Senate. 

We will now consider H.R. 4847, the United States Fire Administration Reauthorization Act of 2007. I yield Mr. Mitchell five minutes to describe his bill. 

Mr. MITCHELL. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I am very pleased 

that the Committee is marking up H.R. 4847 to reauthorize the 

U.S. Fire Administration. This bill was introduced by myself and 

the Ranking Member of the Technology and Innovation Subcommittee, Dr. Phil Gingrey. The Fire Service provides critical assistance in protecting our communities in emergency events. From 

house fires to terrorist events to tornadoes, firefighters are generally the first on the scene and the last to leave. 

However, fire continues to be a major problem in the U.S. Although fire-related deaths and injuries have been reduced significantly since the Fire Administration’s creation in the early 1970s, 

over 3,000 Americans a year still die in fires and many more are 

injured. There are also $11 billion in annual direct property losses 

caused by fires. 

The U.S. Fire Administration is an invaluable resource for the 

thousands of firefighters and emergency personnel around the 

country. Through training, educational materials, data collection, 

and other services, USFA provides tools and leadership to the fire 

service and the communities they serve. 

H.R. 4847 reauthorizes this important agency for four years at 

the funding levels consistent for USFA to fully carry out its mission. It also addresses a number of priorities that members of the 

fire service community raised to the Technology and Innovation 

Subcommittee at a hearing last fall. 

This legislation authorizes USFA to focus its resources on pressing challenges for today’s first responders like fighting fires in the 

wildland-urban interface and responding to incidents involving hazardous materials. It directs USFA to improve the National Fire Incident Reporting System which provides important data on fire 

events to policy-makers at all levels of government. 

This bill also addresses a very serious issue for the fire service, 

and that is firefighter health and safety. As we heard at the hearing last October, every year over 100 firefighters die in the line of 

duty. USFA has shown strong leadership in promoting firefighter 

health and safety. H.R. 4847 directs the USFA Administrator to 

continue this leadership by educating local fire departments on national voluntary consensus standards for firefighter health and 

safety and encouraging communities to adopt these standards. 

This legislation is the product of bipartisan collaboration and 

considerable input from the fire service community. Two weeks ago 

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ported this bill favorably. The resources and leadership of the 

USFA are an essential part of the ability of the fire service to protect our cities, towns, and communities, and I urge all my colleagues to support this bipartisan bill. 

And I yield back. 

[The prepared statement of Mr. Mitchell follows:] 

PREPARED STATEMENT OF REPRESENTATIVE HARRY E. MITCHELL

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I’m very pleased that the Committee is marking up 

H.R. 4847, to reauthorize the U.S. Fire Administration. This bill was introduced by 

myself and the Ranking Member of the Technology an Innovation Subcommittee, 

Dr. Phil Gingrey. 

The fire service provides critical assistance in protecting our communities in 

emergency events. From house fires to terrorist events to tornadoes, firefighters are 

general the first on the scene and the last to leave. 

However, fire continues to be a major problem in the U.S. Although fire-related 

deaths and injuries have been reduced significantly since the Fire Administration’s 

creation in the early 1970s, over 3,000 Americans a year still die in fires and many 

more are injured. There are also $11 billion in annual direct property losses cause 

by fires. 

The U.S. Fire Administration is an invaluable resource for the thousands of firefighters and emergency personnel around the country. Through training, educational materials, data collection, and other services, USFA provides tools and leadership to the fire service and the communities they serve. 

H.R. 4847 reauthorizes this important agency for four years at funding levels consistent for USFA to fully carry out its mission. It also addresses a number of priorities that members of the fire service community raised to the Technology and Innovation Subcommittee at a hearing last fall. 

This legislation authorizes USFA to focus its resources on pressing challenges for 

today’s first responders, like fighting fires in the wildland-urban interface and responding to incidents involving hazardous materials. It directs USFA to improve the 

National Fire Incident Reporting System, which provides important data on fire 

events to policy-makers at all levels of government. 

This bill also addresses a very serious issue for the fire service—firefighter health 

and safety. As we heard at the hearing last October, every year over 100 firefighters 

die in the line of duty. USFA has shown strong leadership in promoting firefighter 

health and safety. H.R. 4847 directs the USFA Administrator to continue this leadership by educating local fire departments on national voluntary consensus standards for firefighter health and safety and encouraging communities to adopt these 

standards. 

This legislation is the product of bipartisan collaboration and considerable input 

from the fire service community. Two weeks ago, the Technology and Innovation 

Subcommittee unanimously reported this bill favorably. The resources and leadership of USFA are an essential part of the ability of the fires service to protect our 

cities, towns, and communities, and I urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan 

bill. 

Chairman GORDON. Mr. Hall is recognized for any remarks he 

might have. 

Mr. HALL. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and I am pleased, of 

course, the Committee held a hearing on this bill and took the time 

to consult with both sides as you did and as you have done. I yield 

the balance of my time to Dr. Gingrey to speak on the bill. 

Mr. GINGREY. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding 

his time, and I thank you as well. 

As the lead Republican sponsor of the legislation, I would like to 

commend my colleague from Arizona, Mr. Mitchell, for bringing forward this legislation to reauthorize the United States Fire Administration. I am very pleased that we have worked in a bipartisan 

manner over the past few months to prepare the bill that we have 

before us today. 


wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with REPORTS
48 

Mr. Chairman, I am also pleased that this bill has also gone 

through the regular order process. In October the Technology and 

Innovation Subcommittee held a hearing on the reauthorization of 

USFA, and just three weeks ago H.R. 4847 was unanimously reported back to the Full Committee from the Technology and Innovation Subcommittee chaired by Chairman Wu. 

The mission of USFA is the reduce life and economic losses due 

to fire and related emergencies through leadership, advocacy coordination and support. This organization provides vital assistance 

in the areas of training, fire education, and awareness and awards 

grants to a number of local fire departments across the country. 

These activities have made a substantial impact over the last 30 

years as the gentleman from Arizona has just pointed out. 

Mr. Chairman, it is important to note that, because of the work 

of the USFA, smoke alarms are now standard issue in residences 

across the country. Over a million firefighters have received advanced training and firefighter equipment and safety continues to 

improve. USFA should be proud of its record of achievement; however, it is also clear that improvements can still be made. In the 

last 10 years deaths related to fires have decreased by approximately 25 percent from nearly 5,000 in 1996, to 3,675 in 2006. 

Although that decrease in fire-related deaths is commendable, 

the United States still has one of the highest death rates from fire 

in the industrialized world. Additionally, Mr. Chairman, despite 

the decreases in the number of fires, direct damage costs are increasing and have surpassed 10 billion, that is with a B, $10 billion 

per year. Put it another way, in an average year fire causes as 

much damage in the United States as do hurricanes. 

The reauthorization of USFA will allow the agency to continue 

to improve our preparedness and reduce our vulnerability to fire. 

Unfortunately, Mr. Chairman, last year we saw wildfires that ravaged southern California and the need to develop a more cohesive 

way of combating these fires. I am happy to see this legislation specifically addresses the issue of fighting fires in an urban-wildland 

interface by implementing methods to better respond and prepare 

for fires that move from wildlands to suburban and our urban 

areas, our cities. 

The current bill is important and well crafted to step forward for 

USFA. I want to urge all of my colleagues on the Committee to 

support the bill. Again, to thank our gentleman from Arizona, Mr. 

Mitchell, and with that, Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of 

my time. 

[The prepared statement of Mr. Gingrey follows:] 

PREPARED STATEMENT OF REPRESENTATIVE PHIL GINGREY

As the lead Republican sponsor of this legislation, I would like to commend my 

colleague, Mr. Mitchell from Arizona, for bringing forward this legislation to reauthorize the U.S. Fire Administration. I am very pleased that we have worked in a 

bipartisan manner over these past few months to prepare the bill we have before 

us today. 

Mr. Chairman, I am also pleased that this bill is also gone through the regular 

order process. In October, the Technology and Innovation Subcommittee held a 

hearing on the reauthorization of USFA, and just three weeks ago, H.R. 4847 was 

unanimously reported back to the Full Committee from the Technology and Innovation Subcommittee. 


wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with REPORTS
49 

The mission of USFA is to ‘‘reduce life and economic losses due to fire and related 

emergencies, through leadership, advocacy, coordination and support.’’ This organization provides vital assistance in the areas of training, fire education and awareness, and awards grants to a number of local fire departments across the country. 

These activities have made a substantial impact over the last 30 years. 

Mr. Chairman, it is important to note that because of the work of the USFA, 

smoke alarms are now standard issue in residences across the country; over a million firefighters have received advanced training; and firefighter equipment and 

safety continually improves. 

USFA should be proud of its record of achievement. However, it’s also clear that 

improvements can still be made. In the last ten years, deaths related to fires have 

decreased by approximately 25 percent, from nearly 5,000 in 1996 to 3,675 in 2006. 

Although that decrease in fire-related deaths is commendable, the United States 

still has one of the highest death rates from fire in the industrialized world. 

Additionally Mr. Chairman, despite decreases in the numbers of fires, direct damage costs are increasing and have surpassed $10 billion per year. Put another way, 

in an average year, fires cause as much damage in the United States as hurricanes. 

The reauthorization of USFA will allow the agency to continue to improve our preparedness and reduce our vulnerability to fire. 

Unfortunately Mr. Chairman, last year we saw wildfires that ravaged Southern 

California and the need to develop a more cohesive way of combating these fires. 

I am happy to see that this legislation specifically addresses the issue of fighting 

fires in an urban-wildland interface by implementing methods to better respond and 

prepare for fires that move from wildlands to suburban and urban areas. 

The current bill is an important and well-crafted step forward for USFA. I urge 

all of my colleagues on the Committee to support the bill. With that Mr. Chairman, 

I yield back the balance of my time. 

Chairman GORDON. Thank you, Dr. Gingrey. Does anyone else 

wish to be recognized for remarks? 

Mr. ROHRABACHER. Mr. Chairman. 

Chairman GORDON. Mr. Rohrabacher is recognized. 

Mr. ROHRABACHER. Yes. Let me just congratulate the gentleman 

who has worked so hard on this bill, Mr. Mitchell, and let us note 

that in the past Curt Weldon, who is no longer here, spent an 

awful lot of time on this issue and actually laid the groundwork for 

the things that will actually bear fruit in the future and that we 

are building on right now. And so I just would like to make sure 

that we put Curt Weldon’s name in the record when dealing with 

these issues. He spent so much time and effort as a Member of 

Congress on firefighting issues. 

The second thing is just a note that Boeing Aircraft Company 

has recently developed new firefighting technology that will, at low 

tech rather than high tech, I might add, well, a combination of low 

tech and high tech, which makes any airplane with a cargo ramp 

in the back, C–130s, C–17s, et cetera, makes them capable of very 

effective water drops by—and this technology uses GPS system, 

and it is a great promise, and I would hope that as we move forward, the Firefighting Administration moves forward with this 

next five-year authorization, that that is one of the projects that 

they look at. 

So with that said, thank you very much for your leadership, as 

well as the hard work of our two colleagues. 

Chairman GORDON. Thank you, Mr. Rohrabacher. Anybody else 

wish to be recognized? 

If not, let me just also thank, as Dr. Gingrey said, going through 

regular order I think that we developed a good bill here. You know, 

oftentimes we don’t think much about our firefighters until we 

need them, and this is legislation that affects real people. My 

mother grew up way out in the country. I mean, way out in the 


wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with REPORTS
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country, and when she was a child, their house burned, and literally it was just their lives and the clothes on their back is all 

that survived. 

And even today when my mother hears a fire truck or a fire engine or a siren, she tells me that story, just like she had never, you 

know, told me before. It is just like Pavlo, and it is such, you know, 

it is such a traumatic experience for folks to go through that they 

will never get over it. 

And so we are not going to stop all the fires, but hopefully this 

bill will help reduce some of those fires and help reduce some of 

the trauma that folks have gone through. 

So with, if no one else to be, wishes to be recognized. 

Mr. HALL. The gentleman yield? 

Chairman GORDON. Yes, sir, Mr. Hall. 

Mr. HALL. I imagine there is a lot of us in this room that are 

glad that she pulled a little old kid out of there, too, and led him 

out to give us guidance and bring fineness to a committee. 

And as you said, it is kind of a shame that it took a 9/11 to make 

people really and truly appreciate firefighters and men and women 

that protect us day and night. 

Yield back. 

Chairman GORDON. Thank you, Mr. Hall. 

I ask unanimous consent that the bill is considered as read and 

open to amendment at any point and that the Members proceed 

with the amendments in the order of the roster. 

Without objection, so ordered. 

The first amendment on the roster is the manager’s amendment 

offered by the gentleman from Arizona, Mr. Mitchell. Are you ready 

to proceed with your amendment? 

Mr. MITCHELL. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk. 

Chairman GORDON. The Clerk will report the amendment. 

The CLERK. Amendment number 020, amendment to H.R. 4847, 

offered by Mr. Mitchell of Arizona. 

Chairman GORDON. I ask unanimous consent to dispense with 

the reading. 

Without objection, so ordered. 

And I recognize the gentleman for five minutes to explain his 

amendment. 

Mr. MITCHELL. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. 

I am introducing this amendment to H.R. 4847 to make minor 

technical changes to the bill. The amendment also changes the provision in Section 4 authorizing the Administrator to deliver USFA 

training through qualified groups to qualified organizations that 

contract with other federal agencies to deliver training on their behalf to State and local emergency response personnel. 

And I yield back. 

Chairman GORDON. Is there further discussion on the amendment? 

If not, the vote occurs on the amendment. All in favor, say aye. 

Opposed, no. The ayes have it. The amendment is agreed to. 

The second amendment on the roster is offered by the gentleman 

from Georgia, Dr. Gingrey. Are you ready to proceed with your 

amendment? 

Mr. GINGREY. I am, Mr. Chairman. 


wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with REPORTS
51 

Mr. Chairman, I bring forward—— Chairman GORDON. Excuse me. The Clerk will report the amendment. 

The CLERK. Amendment number 014, amendment to H.R. 4847, 

offered by Mr. Gingrey of Georgia. 

Chairman GORDON. If you would repeat the amendment number 

so we are sure we are in the right order here. 

The CLERK. Amendment number 071, amendment to H.R. 4847, 

offered by Mr. Gingrey of Georgia. 

Chairman GORDON. Right. Thank you very much, and I ask 

unanimous consent to dispense with the reading. 

Without objection, so ordered. 

The gentleman is recognized for five minutes to explain his 

amendment. 

Mr. GINGREY. Mr. Chairman, thank you. 

I bring forward today a common sense, I think, amendment that 

will allow the Administrator to perform studies related to the management of emergency medical services. 

All fire departments have a significant role in pre-hospital care, 

whether through in-house EMS or coordinating with third parties. 

Firefighters are called upon to extract victims from car crashes, 

building fires or collapses, or other emergencies. It is critical that 

patients receive consistent care under medical direction. 

I do not expect the USFA to pursue studies into the medical care 

EMS patients should receive. This is best left to the medical community and other federal agencies such as NIH and NHTSA, the 

National Highways Transportation Safety Administration. But instead, Mr. Chairman, this amendment simply seeks to give the Administrator the authority to conduct studies into training, system 

design, and on-the-scene patient management while making sure to 

work with appropriate federal agencies and existing medical services in these local communities. 

Basically, Mr. Chairman, to cut to the chase, to just be able to 

avoid the possibility of mass confusion at the scene of a fire where 

a lot of responders are there, and we want to just make sure that 

there is an appropriate hand-off so that everybody is doing what 

they are best trained to do. 

And with that, Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my 

time. 

[The prepared statement of Mr. Gingrey follows:] 

PREPARED STATEMENT OF REPRESENTATIVE PHIL GINGREY

Mr. Chairman, I bring forward today a common sense amendment that will allow 

the Administrator to perform studies related to the management of emergency medical services. All fire departments have a significant role in pre-hospital care whether through in-house EMS or coordinating with third-parties. 

Firefighters are called upon to extract victims from car crashes, building fires or 

collapses, or other emergencies. It is critical that patients receive consistent care 

under medical direction. I do not expect USFA to pursue studies into the medical 

care EMS patients should receive; this is best left to the medical community and 

other federal agencies such as the NIH and National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA). 

Instead Mr. Chairman, this amendment simply seeks to give the Administrator 

the authority to conduct studies into training, system design, and on-scene patient 

management while making sure to work with appropriate federal agencies and existing medical services in these local communities. 

Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time. 


wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with REPORTS
52 

Chairman GORDON. Thank you, Dr. Gingrey. 

Is there further discussion on the amendment? 

If no, the vote occurs on the amendment. All in favor, say aye. 

Opposed, no. The ayes have it. The amendment is agreed to. 

The third amendment on the roster is offered by the gentlelady 

from California, Ms. Richardson. Are you ready to proceed with 

your amendment? 

Ms. RICHARDSON. Yes, I am, Mr. Chairman, and I have an 

amendment at the desk. 

Chairman GORDON. The Clerk will report the amendment. 

The CLERK. Amendment number 014, amendment to H.R. 4847, 

offered by Ms. Richardson of California. 

Chairman GORDON. I ask unanimous consent to dispense with 

the reading. 

Without objection, so ordered. 

The gentlelady is recognized for five minutes to explain the 

amendment. 

Ms. RICHARDSON. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. 

Ranking Member Hall and fellow Members of the Science and 

Technology Committee, this amendment that I propose before you 

is very clear cut. The amendment calls for the Administrator of the 

United States Fire Administration to consult and work with the 

Superintendent of the National Fire Academy in order to consolidate and integrate into the current Fire Academy curriculum, a 

course on incident command training for fire service personnel for 

fighting fires at ports, and also responding to emergencies at ports 

and in marine environments in general. 

When we recall incidences such as Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, 

the one thing we have learned is how vulnerable our nation’s 126 

shipping ports can be in their reaction to a disaster. In the aftermath of that storm, ports from Alabama to Texas were entirely 

shut down and many are still recovering, as in Port Forshun, a 

major supplier of gas and natural oil. 

Also, I would point out to you that the key of having integrated 

training, we also learned from Hurricane Katrina and the 

aftermaths of 9/11, that oftentimes we are calling from personnel 

in various different states. So where one particular state may not 

need the expertise of responding to a port, they may be called upon 

to assist in another area. 

Likewise we also know how valuable our nation’s ports are in 

terms of the goods movement and their impact on our economy. In 

some areas ports can impact the Nation’s economy to as high as a 

billion dollars a day that can be lost when they are shut down. 

Therefore, it goes without saying how critical it is for our firefighters to have the ability to respond in a swift and efficient and 

coordinated manner. Every second in a response can make a difference between life or death and also the loss of valuable goods 

that we all depend upon in our daily lives. 

Always being mindful of creating, of being mindful of not creating additional costs to our federal agencies and the limited budgets that we have, this amendment creates no new costs for the 

United States Fire Administration. In fact, this is not a new standalone course, but it allows for valuable lessons to be taught and 


wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with REPORTS
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learned that will be implemented in already existing courses at the 

Fire Academy. 

More importantly, this amendment grants the Administrator and 

the Superintendent the discretion to determine how they will integrate this course into already-existing courses. This amendment 

provides for two years to implement this course so that there will 

be ample time for the Fire Academy to develop and deliver to our 

brave men and women the necessary instruction on how to respond 

to an emergency, if necessary, at our nation’s ports. 

I want to thank my colleagues on the other side of the aisle, Mr. 

Bartlett, for his kind co-sponsorship and support, Mr. 

Rohrabacher’s ongoing partnership as we work together in our 

neighborhoods, and I would also like to thank the Science and 

Technology staff, in particular, Meghan Housewright, for all of her 

hard work. And I would also be remiss not to acknowledge representatives from the United States Fire Administration who 

worked with us on this effort. 

In closing, Mr. Chairman, thank you for your support of this 

amendment, and it is straightforward as I have laid out. It is essential for the readiness of our men and women that we have an 

opportunity to learn from lessons across this country. It is vital 

that we provide them with that support and we protect our nation’s 

economy. 

I yield back the remainder of my time. 

[The prepared statement of Ms. Richardson follows:] 

PREPARED STATEMENT OF REPRESENTATIVE LAURA RICHARDSON

Mr. Chairman, Ranking Member Hall and fellow Members of the Science and 

Technology Committee, the amendment proposed before you is clear cut. The 

amendment calls on the Administrator of the United States Fire Administration, to 

consult and work with the Superintendent of the National Fire Academy, in order 

to consolidate and integrate into the current Fire Academy curriculum a course on 

incident command training for fire service personnel for fighting fires at ports, and 

responding to emergencies at ports and marine environments in general. When we 

recall incidents such as Hurricane Katrina, the one thing that we have learned is 

how vulnerable our nation’s 126 shipping ports can be in reaction to a disaster. In 

the aftermath of that storm, ports from Alabama to Texas were entirely shut down 

and many are still trying to recover, like Port Fourchon, a major supplier of gas and 

natural oil. Likewise, we all know how valuable our nation’s ports are to the movement of goods, and thus, the general health of our economy. In some areas the shutdown of ports can impact the national economy to as high as $1 billion dollars a 

day. Therefore it goes without saying how crucial it is for our firefighters to have 

the ability to respond in a swift, efficient, and coordinated manner. Every second 

in response can make the difference between life or death, and the lost of valuable 

goods that we all depend on upon in our daily lives. 

Always mindful of creating additional cost for any federal agency working with 

a limited budget, this amendment creates no new cost for the United States Fire 

Administration. This is not a new stand alone course, but the valuable lessons to 

be taught and learned will be implemented into the already existing courses at the 

Fire Academy. More importantly, this amendment grants the Administrator and the 

Superintendent the discretion to determine how they will integrate this course into 

already existing courses. This amendment provides two years to implement this 

course so there will be ample time for the Fire Academy to develop and deliver to 

our brave men and women the necessary instruction on how to respond to an emergency, if necessary, at our nation’s ports. I want to thank my colleague on the other 

side of the aisle, Mr. Bartlett for his co-sponsorship support, and Mr. Rohrabacher’s 

for his partnership on all matters related to the port. Mr. Rohrabacher was a cosponsor of my resolution honoring the port of Los Angeles, and I look forward to 

working with him on future legislation. I would like to thank the Science and Technology staff, in particular Meghan Housewright for all of her hard-work, and I 

would be remiss if I did not thank Chairman Gordon for his support of my amendVerDate Aug 31 2005 05:40 Apr 01, 2008 Jkt 069006 PO 00000 Frm 00053 Fmt 6601 Sfmt 6621 E:\HR\OC\HR559.XXX HR559

wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with REPORTS
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ment. This amendment is straightforward, it is essential to our readiness and ability to respond to man made and natural disasters, it is vital to the steady movement 

of goods, and I encourage my colleagues to support it. Thank you Mr. Chairman, 

I yield back my time. 

Chairman GORDON. Thank you, Ms. Richardson. I know you had 

a particular interest and passion in this bill, and your input helped 

make it a better bill. Thank you not only for the amendment but 

also the earlier work on the core bill. 

Is there further discussion on the amendment? 

Mr. ROHRABACHER. Mr. Chairman. 

Chairman GORDON. Mr. Rohrabacher is recognized. 

Mr. ROHRABACHER. I would like to commend my colleague, Ms. 

Richardson, for the job that she has done on this amendment. It 

obviously is a really an important amendment and covering an 

issue of great significance. 

Fires at our port areas that can be not only threatening to life, 

but are tremendously threatening to our economy. An out-of-control 

fire at a port can cripple an economy. We have had slowdowns and 

problems at our ports that cost billions of dollars to the American 

economy, and this low-cost preventative measure that she is offering could yield great results for us in the future, and I commend 

her for her hard work on this amendment, and of course, totally 

support it. 

Chairman GORDON. Thank you, Mr. Rohrabacher. 

Any further discussion? 

Mr. BARTLETT. Mr. Chairman. 

Chairman GORDON. Mr. Bartlett is recognized. 

Mr. BARTLETT. I am honored to have the National Fire Academy 

in my district, and I go there a couple of times each year for very 

impressive ceremonies, and I am very pleased that our committee 

has a large role to play in support of this very important institution. Thank you. 

Chairman GORDON. Is there further discussion? 

Dr. Gingrey is recognized. 

Mr. GINGREY. Mr. Chairman, thank you, and I, too, want to commend the gentlelady from California who I know has the port of 

Long Beach in her district, and there are many other ports. 

Mr. ROHRABACHER. Would the gentleman yield? 

Mr. GINGREY. I will be glad to yield to my friend. 

Mr. ROHRABACHER. You are close. It is my district, but we share 

it. 

Mr. GINGREY. That is right. That is right. You, I think you, Mr. 

Rohrabacher, you serve outside some of those ports but I am glad 

to be supportive of our colleagues from California. And, indeed, it 

is not just her district or his district that is so important in regard 

to ports. There are 300 or more ports across the country and including two in my great State of Georgia, the port of Savannah and 

the port of Brunswick, and I am sure the Georgia Ports Authority 

would be supportive of this amendment that the gentlewoman is 

bringing forward. 

But I do have some concerns. I worry that the current language 

of the amendment may shift scarce resources from higher-priority 

needs in order to fund course development in this particular area. 


wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with REPORTS
55 

Mr. Chairman, the USFA is consistently funding, as we all know, 

below the authorized levels, and I believe the Committee should resist the urge to micro-manage these limited funds unless absolutely 

essential. I am not saying that this is not absolutely essential, by 

the way, but additionally, I think that before implementing this 

amendment, hopefully the USFA needs to have a more complete 

understanding of the needs and current training protocols of marine firefighting. I mean, it is very possible that we are already 

doing a lot of that in the current curriculum. 

USFA should have the discretion, I think, to utilize their limited 

resources to best serve the needs of the 1.3 million firefighters 

across this country. 

For example, Mr. Chairman, one specific need outlined in this 

legislation is the necessity for better urban-wildland interface firefighting. So I hope that the USFA will have the discretion to implement this amendment, Ms. Richardson’s amendment, as it sees fit 

to best address this issue within the context of its greater role supporting the most pressing needs of firefighters across the country. 

And Mr. Chairman, as I say, I am supportive of the gentlewoman’s amendment. I know she has worked very hard, and it is 

extremely important, and I yield back the balance of my time. 

[The prepared statement of Mr. Gingrey follows:] 

PREPARED STATEMENT OF REPRESENTATIVE PHIL GINGREY

Mr. Chairman, while I am sympathetic to my colleague from California’s real concern about the difficulty in fighting fires in commercial ports and the potential for 

catastrophic economic and environmental consequences, I worry that the current 

language of the amendment may shift scarce resources from higher priority needs 

in order to fund course development in this area. 

Mr. Chairman, the USFA is consistently funded below the authorized level and 

I believe the Committee should resist the urge to micro-manage the limited funds 

available. 

Additionally, I think that before implementing this amendment, the USFA needs 

to have a more complete understanding of the needs and current training protocols 

of marine firefighting. USFA should have the discretion to utilize their limited resources to best serve the needs of the 1.3 million firefighters across our nation. 

For example Mr. Chairman, one specific need outlined in this legislation is the 

necessity for better urban-wildland interface firefighting. 

I hope that the USFA will have the discretion to implement this amendment as 

it sees fit to best address this issue within the context of its greater role supporting 

the most pressing needs of firefighters across the country. 

Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time. 

Chairman GORDON. Thank you, Mr. Gingrey, and obviously your 

concerns will be part of the record. 

Is there further discussion? 

Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Chairman, may I respond very briefly? 

Chairman GORDON. The gentlelady from California is recognized, 

Ms. Richardson. 

Ms. RICHARDSON. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, Mr. 

Gingrey, for expressing your concerns, and I am happy that you 

shared them because it gave me another opportunity to make sure 

we are very clear. 

First of all, we met with the USFA several times and had the 

discussions, and it is my understanding they are in support of this 

amendment as proposed. We did have other options, but for several 

reasons why, I think it addressed your concerns. 


wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with REPORTS
56 

Number one, the USFA is given the full discretion in conjunction 

with the Superintendent. Number two, they do have two years to 

implement this. They have plenty of time to implement it into the 

curriculum with the normal printing, et cetera, not to increase any 

costs. Further, it is very clear according to the amendment that 

this is to be incorporated into existing courses. So there is no additional courses or time or anything of that matter. 

So, thank you for your support of this amendment, and I look forward to working with you on its implementation. 

Chairman GORDON. It is my understanding from all involved 

that Ms. Richardson spent a great deal of time massaging this 

issue and trying to get it right in consultation with all those involved, and that the final product is, I would say, a hybrid improvement of the way things started, and that is why you have regular order. 

Is there further discussion? 

If no, the vote occurs on the amendment. All in favor, say aye. 

Opposed, no. The ayes have it. The amendment is agreed to. 

Are there other amendments? 

If no, then the vote occurs on the bill, H.R. 4847, as amended. 

All those in favor will say aye. Opposed, no. And in the opinion of 

the Chair the ayes have it. 

I now recognize Mr. Baird to offer a motion. 

Mr. BAIRD. Mr. Chairman, I move that the Committee favorably 

report H.R. 4847, as amended, to the House with the recommendation that the bill do pass. Furthermore, I move that the staff be instructed to prepare the legislative report and make necessary technical and conforming changes, and that the Chairman take all necessary steps to bring the bill before the House for consideration. 

Chairman GORDON. The question is on the motion to report the 

bill favorably. Those in favor of the motion will signify by saying 

aye. Opposed, no. The ayes have it. The bill is favorably reported. 

Without objection, the motion to table is reconsidered and laid 

upon the table. Members will have two subsequent calendar days 

in which to submit supplemental, Minority, or additional views on 

the measure, ending Monday, March the 3rd, at 9:00 a.m. 

I move pursuant to Clause 1 of Rule 22 of the Rules of the House 

of Representatives that the Committee authorize the Chairman to 

offer such motions as may be necessary in the House to adopt and 

pass H.R. 4847, the United States Fire Administration Reauthorization Act of 2007, as amended. 

Without objection, so ordered. 

Let me thank the Members for coming back from the last vote. 

This was an important bill, and I appreciate your attendance. I 

want to thank the staff for the hard work that they have put in 

and the good work on doing this. I think we did a good day’s work 

today, and I thank everyone. 

The meeting is adjourned. 

[Whereupon, at 11:32 a.m., the Committee was adjourned.] 


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(57) 

Appendix: 

SUBCOMMITTEE MARKUP REPORT, H.R. 4847 AS AMENDED, 

AMENDMENT ROSTER


wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with REPORTS
58 

COMMITTEE ON SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 

SUBCOMMITTEE ON TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION 

REPORT FROM SUBCOMMITTEE MARKUP 

FEBRUARY 7, 2008 

H.R. 4847, THE UNITED STATES FIRE ADMINISTRATION

REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2007 

I. Purpose 

The purpose of this bill is to authorize appropriations for fiscal years 2009, 2010, 

2011, and 2012 for the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), and to authorize USFA’s 

activities in training, fire education and awareness, data collection, research, and 

standards development and promotion. 

II. Background and Need for Legislation 

USFA is housed within the Federal Emergency Management Administration at 

the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). It was created by the Federal Fire 

Prevention and Control Act of 1974 (P.L. 93–498). The agency’s mission is to reduce 

the incidents of fire and fire-related deaths, injuries, and property damage in the 

U.S., and to better prepare the Nation’s fire service as the primary local emergency 

responders. To accomplish its mission, USFA engages in the following core activities: public fire education and awareness programs; firefighter and emergency responder training delivery and curriculum development; fire-focused applied research 

and technology development; data collection through the National Fire Data Center; 

and logistical and programmatic support for DHS grants to firefighters under the 

Assistance to Firefighters Grants program and the Staffing for Adequate Fire and 

Emergency Response grants program. 

USFA’s stated goal, upon its establishment in 1974, was to reduce fire-related fatalities in the Nation by half—bringing the number to approximately six thousand 

per year within a generation. The agency met this goal by 1988, and these numbers 

continue to decline. However, according to the National Fire Protection Association 

(NFPA) the U.S. still has one of the highest rates of death, injury, and property loss 

due to fire among all industrialized nations. NFPA reports that in 2006 there were 

3,245 civilian fire deaths, 16,400 fire injuries, and an estimated $11.307 billion in 

direct property losses due to fire. They estimate that the fire fatality rate is 14.8 

per million. USFA also reports that every year, an average of 100 firefighters die 

in the line of duty. The agency works to reduce these statistics, as well as help firefighters prepare for the growing number of hazards and emergencies calling for firefighter response. 

III. Subcommittee Actions 

The Subcommittee on Technology and Innovation heard testimony in the 110th 

Congress relevant to the programs authorized in H.R. 4847 at a hearing held on October 2, 2007. During this hearing, the Subcommittee heard testimony from the Director of the U.S. Fire Administration, the Director of the National Institute of 

Standards and Technology’s Building and Fire Research Laboratory, and four outside witnesses representing different sectors of the Nation’s fire service community. 

On December 19 2007, Representative Harry Mitchell, Vice Chairman of the Subcommittee on Technology and Innovation of the Committee on Science and Technology, for himself and Representative Phil Gingrey, Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Technology and Innovation, introduced H.R. 4847, the U.S. Fire Administration Reauthorization Act of 2007, a bill to authorize appropriations for fiscal 

years 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012 for the U.S. Fire Administration, and for other 

purposes. 

The Subcommittee on Technology and Innovation met to consider H.R. 4847 on 

Thursday, February 15, 2008 and considered the following amendment to the bill: 

Mr. Mitchell offered a manager’s amendment to change references in the bill to 

‘‘voluntary national consensus standards’’ to ‘‘national voluntary consensus standards’’ which is the preferred term, and to make a technical change to subsection (c) 

of section 4. 

Mr. Gingrey moved that the Subcommittee favorably report the bill, H.R. 4847, 

as amended, to the Full Committee. The motion was agreed to by a voice vote. 


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IV. Summary of Major Provisions of the Bill 

H.R. 4847 authorizes $292 million for the U.S. Fire Administration for fiscal years 

2009–2012. It also authorizes the National Fire Academy to engage in training activities related to firefighting in the wildland-urban interface; multiple, large-scale 

fires that cross jurisdictions and stretch resources; hazardous material incidents; advanced topics in emergency medical services. The bill would allow the Administrator 

to enter into contracts with qualified, third-party organizations to deliver USFA 

training to State and local entities, and the bill requires USFA, in every third annual report to Congress, to detail any changes made to the Fire Academy curriculum the curriculum, as well as the rational and objectives for those changes. 

H.R. 4847 authorizes the Administrator to spend up to $5 million over three years 

to update and improve the National Fire Incident Reporting System to allow realtime, web-based reporting, that will provide to users in a more timely and efficient 

manner. The bill requires USFA to keep an updated website of past and present 

research projects, and requires the Administrator to promote the adoption of national voluntary consensus standards for firefighter health and safety among local 

departments and to educate local departments about these standards. Lastly, H.R. 

4847 requires the Administrator to include emergency medical services in his liaison 

and coordination activities across the Federal Government. 

V. Section-by-Section Analysis of the Bill, as reported by the Subcommittee 

SEC. 1. SHORT TITLE 

‘‘The United States Fire Administration Reauthorization Act of 2007’’

SEC. 2. FINDINGS 

Finds that the rate of life and property loss due to fire in the U.S. is still one 

of the highest in the industrialized world and that a significant number of firefighters die or suffer injury each year. Finds that USFA provides vital resources and 

leadership to the Nation’s fire service and should have a prominent voice at the Department of Homeland Security. 

SEC. 3. AUTHORIZATIONS OF APPROPRIATIONS 

Authorizes appropriations: $70,000,000 for FY 2009; $72,100,000 for FY 2010; $74,263,000 for FY 2011; and $76,490,890 for FY 2012. Each fiscal year, 3.6 percent 

of the funds authorized are authorized to be used to carry out fire technology research and related activities. 

SEC. 4. NATIONAL FIRE ACADEMY TRAINING PROGRAM MODIFICATIONS AND REPORTS 

Amends the list of training activities the National Fire Academy (NFA) is authorized to engage in by broadening authorized NFA training activities from terrorism 

specific to all-hazard; authorize training for response to large-scale fire events that 

involve multiple jurisdictions and stretch resources; authorize training for firefighting activities in the wildland-urban interface; authorize training for hazmat 

firefighting; and authorize training for advanced issues related to emergency medical services. 

Requires the Administrator to include a description of any changes to the NFA 

curriculum in every third USFA yearly report to Congress. 

Authorizes the Administrator to enter into contracts to provide on-site training 

through accredited or otherwise qualified organizations experienced with delivering 

such training. 

SEC. 5. NATIONAL FIRE INCIDENT REPORTING SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS 

Authorizes the Administrator to use a maximum of $5 million dollars from the 

total appropriated over the years FY 2009 to FY 2011 to upgrade NFIRS. 

SEC. 6. FIRE TECHNOLOGY ASSISTANCE AND RESEARCH DISSEMINATION 

Authorizes USFA to engage in research related to technologies, techniques, approaches, etc., to address fire suppression and prevention for fires in the wildlandurban interface. 

Requires USFA to maintain a web database of these activities. 

SEC. 7. ENCOURAGING THE ADOPTION OF STANDARDS FOR FIREFIGHTER HEALTH AND SAFETY 

Directs the Administrator to promote the adoption of national voluntary consensus standards for firefighter health and safety by educating the fire service, enVerDate Aug 31 2005 05:40 Apr 01, 2008 Jkt 069006 PO 00000 Frm 00059 Fmt 6601 Sfmt 6621 E:\HR\OC\HR559.XXX HR559

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couraging their adoption at all levels of government and making recommendations 

on other ways the Federal Government can encourage State, local, and federal fire 

agencies to comply with these standards. 

SEC. 8. COORDINATION ON FIRE SERVICE-BASED EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES 

Amends Section 21(e) of the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974 by 

directing the Administrator to include fire service-based emergency medical services 

in his liaison and coordination activities across the Federal Government. 

SEC. 9. DEFINITIONS 

Defines wildland-urban interface and hazardous materials. 


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