Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that provides federal workers' compensation to firefighters who contract certain illnesses as a result of their service.

Highlights:

• Appropriates federal workers’ compensation to federal employees employed in fire protection activities who contract heart disease, lung disease, or specified cancers as a result of their service from personal injury sustained in in the performance of their duties, after having served for at least 5 years, and being diagnosed within 10 years (Sec. 2).

• Defines “employee in fire protection activities” as a firefighter, paramedic, emergency medical technician, rescue worker, ambulance personnel, or hazardous material worker who (Sec. 2):

• Is trained in fire suppression;

• Has the legal authority and responsibility to engage in fire suppression;

• Is engaged in the prevention, control, annd extinguishment of fires or response to emergency situations where life, property, or the environment is at risk; and

• Performs such activities as a primary responsibility.

Full Bill Text

Full Bill Text