Concord, N.H. – Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander is cosponsoring the National Fire Academy (NFA) Reporting Act, bipartisan legislation designed to strengthen congressional support for first responders by addressing current gaps in oversight. 

“New Hampshire firefighters and first responders put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe. We must ensure these true American heroes are getting the best possible training, and the National Fire Academy plays a critical role in making that possible,” said Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander. “I’m proud to help lead the National Fire Academy Reporting Act to ensure Congress has the information needed to fully support our firefighters and give them the support they need.”

The National Fire Academy (NFA), run by the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), delivers essential training and education programs attended by tens of thousands of career and volunteer first responders each year. To enhance public safety, the Academy convenes leading experts and first responders to share best practices and develop innovative emergency response methods. Thanks to the NFA, many first responders throughout the nation share a common approach to emergency management — saving lives and improving outcomes. This is especially critical in rural and underserved areas, where local fire departments often lack the funding and resources to access high-quality training on their own.

Currently, the Academy is not required to provide an annual report of its activities to Congress. However, this valuable, community-focused information would allow advocates and Congress to exercise meaningful oversight, gain a clearer understanding of the Academy, and garner broader federal support for its programs. 

To address these gaps, the NFA Reporting Act would require the NFA to submit an annual report to Congress on:

• The number of students enrolled in NFA courses and programs;
• The number of departments that participated in NFA programming;
• The total amount of grant funds awarded to local departments to participate in on-campus NFA programs; and,
• The total amount of grant funds awarded to local and state agencies to conduct off-campus NFA programs.
  
  

Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander is a fierce advocate for New Hampshire’s firefighters and first responders. Earlier this year, Goodlander sent a letter to FEMA with the entire NH delegation expressing concern that the NFA cancelled courses, preventing firefighters from receiving the instruction and training they need to maintain and improve the skills they use to save lives. Following her advocacy, classes resumed. She is a cosponsor of the Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act, H.R. 1269, bipartisan and bicameral legislation to expand federal support for the families of firefighters and other first responders who pass away or become permanently disabled from service-related cancers. Goodlander spoke on the House Floor earlier this year to urge passage of this legislation and honor two fallen New Hampshire firefighters, Lieutenant Jessica L. Wyman of Nashua Fire Rescue and Lieutenant Aaron “Coop” Cooper of Keene Fire Department.

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