Polk Times

Congressmen Scott Franklin and Josh Harder have introduced a bipartisan bill aimed at supporting wildland firefighters by addressing break-in-service retirement limits. The proposed legislation seeks to amend current policies that penalize firefighters who need to take a leave of absence.

"Federal firefighters play a critical role in our nation’s emergency response network. They shouldn’t have to worry about losing their retirement benefits if they must take an extended absence to handle a family emergency or care for a new baby," Congressman Franklin stated. He emphasized that the bill would extend break-in-service retirement limits from three days to 24 months, providing necessary flexibility for these workers. "It’s an important step to improve benefits, recruit, and retain wildland firefighters, and I’m glad to partner with Rep. Harder on this initiative."

Congressman Harder echoed similar sentiments: "Our wildland firefighters risk everything to keep our families safe, and yet our government refuses to let them take time off to see theirs. It’s totally unacceptable." He added that the bill is "a common-sense fix that will keep our heroes in these incredibly important jobs."

The legislation specifically allows federal firefighters up to two years away from service without affecting their retirement benefits or resetting their retirement eligibility clock. Currently, there are no exceptions for break-in-service limits, even for family medical leave or significant life events, contributing to a shortage of federal firefighters.

This bill follows previous efforts by Congressman Franklin and Congressman Harder in June when they introduced a bipartisan package aimed at modernizing responses to the growing wildfire crisis.