Legislation Providing Educational Assistance to Children of First Responders Passes U.S. House of Representatives

Washington, D.C. – Legislation co-sponsored by U.S. Congressman Todd Platts (PA-19) to provide financial education assistance to the children of police officers, firefighters, and other first responders who make the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, passed the United States House of Representatives by voice vote Wednesday.  The legislation, H.R. 959, now goes to the United States Senate for consideration.

“This legislation is aimed at ensuring we do right by police officers, firefighters and other first responders who put their own lives at risk everyday to keep us safe,” said Congressman Platts. “Making a college education more accessible to the children of these fallen heroes is an important expression of our Nation’s gratitude.  This legislation is a justified price for our Nation to pay to ensure that those serving on the front lines in our communities know that a higher education will be within their children’s reach should the unthinkable happen.”

H.R. 959, sponsored by U.S. Congressman Patrick Murphy (PA-8), with Congressman Platts as the lead Republican sponsor, would enable the children of one of these fallen service men and women to become automatically eligible for the maximum higher education Pell Grant amount.  This benefit already exists for the children of military service members who are killed in action.  H.R. 959 has received the endorsement of the Fraternal Order of Police and the International Association of Fire Fighters.

Congressman Platts has supported several other bills aimed at supporting first responders who risk their lives each day for their fellow citizens.  He is the lead sponsor of the Volunteer Firefighter Tax Relief Act (H.R. 343), which would give a tax deduction to volunteer firefighters for the purchase of personal safety clothing needed when performing fire fighting services.  Congressman Platts is also the lead Republican sponsor of the Federal Firefighters Fairness Act of 2009 (H.R. 948), which would ensure that federal firefighters receive the same access to job-related disability and retirement benefits as state, county and municipal firefighters.  H.R. 343 is currently pending before the House Committee on Ways and Means and H.R. 948 is currently pending before the House Committee on Education and Labor.