U.S. Reps McClain Delaney, Thompson Introduce Bipartisan National Fire Academy Reporting Act

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 24, 2025

U.S. Representatives April McClain Delaney, Glenn “GT” Thompson Introduce the Bipartisan National Fire Academy Reporting Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman April McClain Delaney (D-MD) and Congressman Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA) introduced the National Fire Academy (NFA) Reporting Act, a bipartisan bill designed to strengthen Congressional support for first responders by addressing current gaps in oversight. 

The NFA, run by the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), delivers essential training and education programs attended by tens of thousands of career and volunteer first responders each year. To enhance public safety, the Academy convenes leading experts and first responders to share best practices and develop innovative emergency response methods. Thanks to the NFA, many first responders throughout the nation share a common approach to emergency management—saving lives and improving outcomes across the country. This is especially critical in rural and underserved areas, where local fire departments often lack the funding and resources to access high-quality training on their own.

Currently, the Academy is not required to provide an annual report of its activities to Congress. However, this valuable, community-focused information would allow advocates and Congress to exercise meaningful oversight, gain a clearer understanding of the Academy, and garner broader federal support of its programs. 

To address these gaps, the NFA Reporting Act would require the NFA to submit an annual report to Congress on:

• The number of students enrolled in NFA courses and programs;
• The number of departments that participated in NFA programming;
• The total amount of grant funds awarded to local departments to participate in on-campus NFA programs; and,
• The total amount of grant funds awarded to local and state agencies to conduct off-campus NFA programs.

“Comprehensive training programs not only protect the public, but also ensure the safety of the brave men and women who put their lives on the line every day to protect them,” said Congresswoman McClain Delaney. “The National Fire Academy plays a vital role in preparing these first responders for the challenges they face, yet we lack the basic information needed to support its mission effectively. This bill is about more than oversight—it’s about honoring their service with action, ensuring they have the training, resources, and recognition they need to stay safe and save lives.”

"The Professional Fire Fighters of Maryland strongly support the National Fire Academy Reporting Act because comprehensive data reporting is essential to improving firefighter safety, training, and emergency response nationwide,” said Jeffrey Buddle, President, Professional Fire Fighters of Maryland.

“On behalf of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, we thank Congresswoman McClain Delaney and Congressman Thompson for introducing this legislation.  The bill will help ensure the National Fire Academy remains a world-class institution for training our fire service leaders.  We appreciate their continued commitment and support for our nation's fire service,” said Victor Stagnaro, the Chief Executive Officer of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. 

Co-sponsors include: Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA-15), Bell (D-MO-01), Case (D-HI-01), Cleaver (D-MO-05), Elfreth (D-MD-03), Fields (D-LA-04), Hoyer (D-MA-05), Ivey (D-MD-04), Krishnamoorthi (D-IL-08), Min (D-CA-47), Neguse (D-CO-02), Raskin (D-MD-08), Salinas (D-OR-06)

Supporting organizations include: National Fallen Firefighters Foundation