WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth (MD-03), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, delivered a floor speech to address fire fighter staffing shortages on military installations. Recent reports indicate that the military services intend to eliminate vacant firefighter positions, restrict the use of overtime, and interpret statutory staffing requirements in a manner that could lead to station closures. Civilian fire fighters are critical in responding to structural fires, aircraft emergencies, hazardous materials incidents, and other life-threatening events on military installations.

"While staffing shortages have been an ongoing challenge, these new actions - coupled with the continued hiring freeze - put our servicemembers in harm's way. It's why Congresswoman Kiggans and I wrote to the secretaries of the Army, the Navy, and the Air Force to ensure robust emergency services that maintain safety and mission readiness across the force," said Congresswoman Elfreth. "I cannot think of a more critical all-American cause, more of a win-win than having the backs of our firefighters and our servicemembers."

On August 26th, 2025, Congresswoman Kiggans (VA-02), Elfreth, and 15 other members wrote a letterto the Secretaries of the Army, Navy, and Air Force to better understand these developments and identify where Congressional support may be needed.

Elfreth has consistently used her time on the House Floor to speak out against cuts to federal programs, including previous remarks on local food banks,988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Services, PBS, FEMA's BRIC grants, and NIOSH's Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation Program and the National Cancer Firefighter Registry.

CLICK HEREor the image below to view Elfreth's full remarks.

Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth

Remarks as Delivered

Floor Speech in Support of FEMA Grants

September 17th, 2025

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to give voice to an issue that has gone unaddressed for far too long.

And it's one this body must take up before it's too late and lives are lost.

We must address the alarmingly low staffing levels of firefighters on our military installations.

And recent reports indicate that the military service intends to eliminate vacant firefighter positions, restrict the use of overtime, and interpret requirements in a manner that could lead to station closures.

And let me be clear: while staffing shortages have been ongoing challenges, these new actions, coupled with the continued hiring freeze, put our servicemembers in harm's way.

It's why Congresswoman Kiggans and I wrote to the secretaries of the Army, the Navy, and the Air Force to ensure robust emergency services that maintain safety and mission readiness across the force.

Across the DoD, more than 8,800 civilian firefighters respond to structural fires, aircraft emergencies, hazardous materials incidents, and other life-threatening events each year.

I cannot think of a more critical all-American cause, more of a win-win than having the backs of our firefighters and our servicemembers.

I yield back.

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