Yes. Senator Collins co-authored the Fire Grants and Safety Act, signed into law in July 2024, which reauthorized the SAFER and AFG grant programs and the U.S. Fire Administration through 2028, and secured nearly $31 million for 24 first responder projects across Maine in FY 2024.
What Collins has done for firefighters and first responders:
- Fire Grants and Safety Act, 2024: Co-authored by Collins and Sen. Gary Peters. Passed Senate 88-2. Signed into law July 2024. Reauthorizes SAFER, AFG, and USFA through 2028. USFA reauthorized at $95 million.
- FY 2024 Appropriations: Collins secured nearly $31 million for 24 first responder projects across Maine.
- Protecting Firefighters from Adverse Substances Act: Collins co-sponsored the bill, which passed the Senate unanimously and directed DHS to develop guidance and training standards to reduce firefighter exposure to PFAS chemicals.
Why does this matter?
Collins has repeatedly supported and reauthorized SAFER and AFG programs throughout her Senate career — the primary federal mechanism through which local fire departments fund staffing, equipment, and training.