Ensuring Casualty Assistance for our Firefighters Act
Summary
H.R. 4671, the "Ensuring Casualty Assistance for our Firefighters Act," directs the Secretary of the Interior to develop a Wildland Fire Management Casualty Assistance Program. This program aims to provide assistance to the next-of-kin of firefighters and wildland fire support personnel who are critically injured, killed, or suffer illness in the line of duty. The program encompasses various aspects, including notifications, expense reimbursement, case management, and information dissemination.
Expected Effects
The bill will establish a formal structure for providing support to the families of firefighters and wildland fire support personnel affected by line-of-duty incidents. It mandates the creation of a program within six months of enactment. This program will standardize and enhance the assistance provided to these families.
Potential Benefits
- Provides clear guidelines for casualty assistance.
- Ensures timely notification to next-of-kin.
- Offers reimbursement for travel expenses related to hospitalization or death.
- Establishes centralized case management procedures.
- Provides access to information on benefits and financial assistance.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for bureaucratic delays in program implementation.
- Costs associated with establishing and maintaining the program.
- Possible overlap with existing benefits programs, creating confusion.
- Limited scope, focusing solely on wildland firefighters under the Department of Interior.
- The effectiveness of the program depends on adequate funding and staffing.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the general welfare clause of the Constitution, as it aims to support the families of public servants who risk their lives in service to the nation. Specifically, the preamble states the Constitution is intended to "promote the general Welfare". The establishment and funding of such a program fall under Congress's power to allocate resources for the well-being of its citizens.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).