Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB3821

Introduced
6/5/23  
Refer
6/5/23  
Refer
6/9/23  
Report Pass
7/19/23  

Caption

Firefighter Cancer Registry Reauthorization Act of 2023

Impact

The passage of HB3821 is expected to significantly impact state laws concerning public safety and health regulation for firefighters. By expanding the funding for the cancer registry, states can better study the prevalence of different types of cancer within firefighter populations and develop targeted health interventions. Analysts anticipate that this will lead to more informed policy decisions and improvements in health care access and safety regulation for firefighters. Moreover, the availability of comprehensive data on cancer incidence could also support legislative initiatives aimed at enacting protective measures for firefighters and their health needs.

Summary

House Bill 3821, known as the Firefighter Cancer Registry Reauthorization Act of 2023, aims to reauthorize a voluntary registry that tracks cancer incidence among firefighters. Originally established by the Firefighter Cancer Registry Act of 2018, the bill seeks to increase funding allocated for the registry from $2.5 million to $5.5 million annually over the next five years, from fiscal years 2024 through 2028. This funding increment reflects the growing recognition of the health risks firefighters face due to exposure to carcinogens in their line of duty. The reauthorization signifies a commitment to understanding and addressing the long-term health impacts on firefighters, which enhances workplace safety and public health initiatives.

Sentiment

Overall sentiment around the bill appears largely positive, with many legislators recognizing the critical importance of supporting the health and safety of firefighters. In the voting history, HB3821 received overwhelming bipartisan support, passing with 412 votes in favor and only 7 against. This strong support suggests a collective acknowledgment among lawmakers about the challenges first responders face and the need for legislative action to protect them. However, some dissenting voices raised concerns about the sustainability of funding and whether this approach adequately addresses the broader issues of firefighter health and safety.

Contention

While the bill enjoys wide support, notable points of contention include discussions about the scope and focus of the registry. Some critics argue that merely tracking cancer incidents is insufficient and that more comprehensive health and safety reforms are necessary for firefighters. The concern revolves around whether increased funding will translate into actionable change, or if it will merely serve to document the health issues without effective solutions. Furthermore, there is a call for including further measures to prevent exposure to harmful substances in the first place, rather than solely addressing the consequences of such exposures.

Companion Bills

US SB2119

Same As Firefighter Cancer Registry Reauthorization Act of 2023

US HB2670

Related Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 Black Sea Security Act of 2023 Preventing Child Sex Abuse Act of 2023 Department of Veterans Affairs Minor Construction Threshold Adjustment Act of 2023 Ensuring Interagency Cooperation to Support Veterans Act of 2023 Nuclear Fuel Security Act of 2023 Beryllium Testing Fairness Act International Port Security Enforcement Act Ending China's Developing Nation Status Act Radiation Exposure Compensation Expansion Act U.S. Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Day Act of 2023 Department of Veterans Affairs Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Processing Claims Improvement Act of 2023 Department of Defense Overdose Data Act of 2023 Radiation Exposure Compensation Act Amendments of 2023 Sensible Classification Act of 2023 Classification Reform Act of 2023 Intergovernmental Critical Minerals Task Force Act GRATEFUL Act Granting Recognition to Accomplished Talented Employees for Unwavering Loyalty Act Western Hemisphere Partnership Act of 2023 International Children with Disabilities Protection Act of 2023 Combating Global Corruption Act Securing Maritime Data from China Act of 2023 Combating Cartels on Social Media Act of 2023 American Security Drone Act of 2023 Military Service Promotion Act of 2023 FEND Off Fentanyl Act Fentanyl Eradication and Narcotics Deterrence Off Fentanyl Act Space Force Personnel Management Act CONVENE Act of 2023 Connecting Oceania’s Nations with Vanguard Exercises and National Empowerment Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 Fort Belknap Indian Community Water Rights Settlement Act of 2023 Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Reauthorization Act of 2023 Fair Debt Collection Practices for Servicemembers Act Architect of the Capitol Appointment Act of 2023 UAP Disclosure Act of 2023 Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena Disclosure Act of 2023 Department of State Authorization Act of 2023 ADVANCE Act of 2023 Accelerating Deployment of Versatile, Advanced Nuclear for Clean Energy Act of 2023

US SB2226

Related National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 Securing Maritime Data from China Act of 2023 Military Service Promotion Act of 2023 Space Force Personnel Management Act Department of Defense Overdose Data Act of 2023

Previously Filed As

US HB6116

To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 14280 South Military Trail in Delray Beach, Florida, as the "Benjamin Berell Ferencz Post Office Building".

US HB292

Designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 24355 Creekside Road in Santa Clarita, California, as the "William L. Reynolds Post Office Building."

US SB50

Pensacola and Perdido Bays Estuary of National Significance Act of 2023 This bill revises the National Estuary Program to require the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to give priority consideration to selecting the Pensacola and Perdido Bays in Florida and Alabama as estuaries of national significance. Under the existing program, the EPA protects and restores the water quality and ecological integrity of estuaries of national significance.

US HB82

Social Security Fairness Act of 2023 This bill repeals provisions that reduce Social Security benefits for individuals who receive other benefits, such as a pension from a state or local government. The bill eliminates the government pension offset, which in various instances reduces Social Security benefits for spouses, widows, and widowers who also receive government pensions of their own. The bill also eliminates the windfall elimination provision, which in some instances reduces Social Security benefits for individuals who also receive a pension or disability benefit from an employer that did not withhold Social Security taxes. These changes are effective for benefits payable after December 2023.

US SB59

Chance to Compete Act of 2023 This bill modifies examination requirements and other components of the federal hiring process for positions in the competitive service. Specifically, the bill provides that a qualifying examination includes a résumé review that is conducted by a subject matter expert. Additionally, beginning two years after the bill's enactment, the bill prohibits examinations from consisting solely of a self-assessment from an automated examination, a résumé review that is not conducted by a subject matter expert, or any other method of assessing an applicant's experience or education. Agencies may use subject matter experts to develop position-specific technical assessments that allow applicants to demonstrate job-related skills, abilities, and knowledge; assessments may include structured interviews, work-related exercises, procedures to measure career-related qualifications and interests, or other similar assessments. The bill also allows agencies to establish talent teams to support and improve hiring practices. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must create online platforms through which agencies may share and customize technical assessments and share the résumés of qualifying applicants. The OPM must also create online platforms with information about the types of assessments used and hiring outcomes.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.