Bryan urges passage of bill to help local fire departments

The Firefighter Investment and Response Enhancement Act would provide $1 billion annually for grants over the next five years.

Bryan said many departments across the country are woefully underfunded.

"The lack of funding for many local fire departments are disasters just waiting to happen," Bryan, D-Nev., said Tuesday during a Senate Commerce Committee hearing in Washington, D.C.

Volunteer departments in particular have a hard time raising money to buy needed equipment or provide training, he said.

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