WASHINGTON, D.C. — Recognizing the long-term health risks firefighters face in the line of duty, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) has introduced the Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act, alongside Senators Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), and Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.). This bipartisan legislation seeks to expand federal support for firefighters and first responders suffering from service-related cancers. The bill aims to close a critical gap in the Public Safety Officer Benefits (PSOB) program, ensuring those diagnosed with occupational cancer receive the same benefits as those affected by other duty-related conditions.

Currently, the PSOB program provides financial assistance for first responders who suffer physical injuries or conditions like PTSD and 9/11-related illnesses. However, it does not include service-related cancers caused by hazardous exposures encountered on duty. The Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act ensures that firefighters and first responders diagnosed with cancer due to their service receive essential disability benefits, while also extending survivor benefits to their families.

“Our firefighters risk their lives daily—not just in the immediate dangers of their job but also through long-term exposure to cancer-causing toxins,” said Senator Padilla. “They deserve the same level of support as any other first responder who sacrifices their health for public safety.”

“Our first responders go above and beyond to protect our communities, often exposing themselves to harmful chemicals,” said Senator Schiff. “This bill ensures that when they develop cancer due to their service, they receive the benefits they have rightfully earned.”

Senator Klobuchar added, “Firefighters face unique dangers, including exposure to carcinogens that increase their risk of cancer. It’s unacceptable that they are not receiving equal benefits. This bill will change that.”

“Our first responders answer the call to protect us every day, often putting their own health at risk,” said Senator Cramer. “We must ensure that those who develop service-related cancers receive the care and support they need.”

The PSOB program, administered by the Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance, provides death and disability benefits to firefighters, law enforcement officers, and first responders injured or killed in the line of duty. The Public Safety Officers’ Educational Assistance (PSOEA) program also offers higher-education assistance to the children and spouses of affected public safety officers.

The Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act has garnered widespread bipartisan support from Senators John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Jim Justice (R-W.V.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).

This critical legislation is endorsed by leading fire service and law enforcement organizations, including the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), Congressional Fire Services Institute (CFSI), Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA), Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), Major County Sheriffs of America (MCSA), Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association (Metro Chiefs), National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO), National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF), National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), National Narcotics Officers’ Associations’ Coalition (NNOAC), National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC), and NYPD Sergeants Benevolent Association.

Senator Padilla has been a strong advocate for comprehensive disaster relief and first responder support. Alongside Senator Schiff, he successfully led a bipartisan effort urging President Biden to grant Governor Gavin Newsom’s request for a major disaster declaration, ensuring expedited aid for affected communities. Additionally, Padilla has championed bipartisan legislation to improve wildland firefighter pay and bolster fire resilience initiatives.

By addressing service-related cancers in first responders, the Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act represents a major step in ensuring that those who risk their health to protect the public receive the recognition and benefits they deserve.