Election Brings Many Changes to Capitol Hill and
Many Opportunities for the Fire Service
With the 2008 elections nearly wrapped up (there are still two Senate races and five House races yet to be determined), Congressional leaders are returning their attention to the unfinished agenda of the 110th Congress and looking ahead to the 111th Congress, which will convene on January 6, 2009. While Democrats added seats in both the House and the Senate, increasing their majority status in both chambers, they also gained control of the White House with President-elect Barack Obama. How will all of this affect the fire service?
The 2008 Presidential election was unique and historic for many reasons, but it was especially so for the fire service. For the first time, both tickets featured a co-chair of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus - Senator John McCain (AZ) on the Republican ticket and Senator Joseph Biden (DE) on the Democratic ticket. (It's also worth noting that another co-chairman, Senator Christopher Dodd (CT), ran in the Democratic primary.) Both Senators McCain and Biden have been tireless champions of the fire service and we look forward to continuing our work with both of them. However, Senator Biden's ascension to the Vice Presidency will create an opening in the leadership of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus.
In addition to Senator Biden's departure from the Fire Caucus, more than 50 caucus members were either defeated or retired. Since it was established in 1987, the Fire Caucus has been the largest in Congress, a status now threatened by the departure of so many members. It is essential that the fire service actively reach out not only to new members of Congress, but also current members who are not on the Fire Caucus, and explain to them the importance of the caucus and to urge their participation. There's a quote that reads, "Timing is the essential ingredients of politics." While Congress is in transition, the time is right for fire service leaders to meet with their elected officials and encourage them to join the Fire Caucus and become more proactive in addressing issues facing our nation's fire and emergency services.
In the coming weeks CFSI will provide regular updates on the changes in Congress, the upcoming legislative initiatives concerning the fire and emergency services, and appointments to the new administration. Also, be sure to visit our website regularly for a list of important legislation, legislative resources, and changes in the membership of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus.
We look forward to working with the Obama Administration and extend our congratulations to both President-elect Obama and Vice President-elect Biden for their successful campaign.
21st Annual National Fire and Emergency Services Dinner and Seminars Registration Now Open
Registration for the 21st Annual National Fire and Emergency Service Dinner and Seminars is now open. To register for the event click here or paste the following URL (http://www.cfsi.org/dinner_about.asp) into your web browser.
Next year's event will be held on April 1-2 with the dinner being held on the evening of April 2. The theme of the program is, "New Beginnings, New Opportunities." The theme captures the change in administrations and the start of a new Congress. We look forward to inviting officials from the new administration to participate in our schedule of events to share with our guests the policies and initiatives that they will advocate for our nation's first responders. And we will alert the newly elected members of Congress - and all members of Congress - to participate as well in the many activities scheduled and to encourage them to meet with you during your visit to Washington.
Prior to your journey to our nation's capitol, please visit our website to learn how you can arrange meetings with your members. The website will contain important information, including hotel information and a list of legislation that our National Advisory Committee continues to support on Capitol Hill. If you have any questions about the event, please contact CFSI at 202-371-1277 and we will be happy to assist you.