Rep. Austin Scott Introduces The Strengthening Health Outcomes For Federal First Responders Act During National Police Week

Washington, D.C- Today, U.S. Representative Austin Scott (GA-08) and U.S. Representative Jim McGovern (MA-02) introduced the Strengthening Health Outcomes For Federal First Responders Act, during National Police Week, aimed at ensuring Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) agents exposed to toxic chemicals while on the job, are eligible for federal benefits following their service.

The legislation will amend title 5 of USC Code to add Certified Fire Investigators and members of the National Response Team, making these officers eligible for a presumption that certain cancers they contract were caused by their job as a federal agent for the ATF. This allows them to receive Federal Employee's Compensation Act (FECA) benefits covering federal employees who develop illnesses tied to workplace exposure. Benefits will include disability compensation, medical treatment coverage, and survivor and death benefits for families.

"Our law enforcement officers, and their families, sacrifice to keep our communities safe. With the Strengthening Health Outcomes For Federal First Responders Act, we will ensure that federal agents, who contract illnesses while serving and protecting, will become eligible to receive benefits. We have an opportunity to show our appreciation for the work that these men and women do, and during National Police Week, we are doing that by covering them when they step out of the line of duty," said Rep. Scott.

"ATF's Certified Fire Investigators and Response Team Members put their lives on the line every day, entering dangerous fire scenes to support criminal investigations and help bring perpetrators to justice," said Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association National President Mathew Silverman. "The Nature of their work consistently places them in toxic and carcinogen-filled environments where health risks are real. This legislation, championed by Representatives Scott and McGovern, closes a critical gap in federal employee occupational protections and reflects a basic principle: take care of those who face hazardous conditions in the line of duty."

Read the full bill text here.

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