Bills · HR 759
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 759First responders and emergency personnelGovernment employee pay, benefits, personnel management
Federal Firefighters Families First Act
INTRO JAN 28· LAST ACTION NOV 20
READING
3MIN
COSPONSORS
77
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill matters because it addresses a long-standing issue of federal firefighters feeling their pay and retirement benefits don't fully reflect the demanding and often overtime-heavy nature of their jobs. If enacted, it could make federal firefighting careers more competitive and attractive, helping the government recruit and retain highly skilled personnel needed to protect federal lands, military bases, and other critical infrastructure.
Without this bill, federal firefighters' retirement benefits might continue to be based on an incomplete picture of their actual earnings, potentially making it harder for federal agencies to keep experienced firefighters from moving to state or local departments with more comprehensive compensation packages. This could impact the quality and readiness of federal fire services, which are vital for public safety and national security.
KEY PROVISIONS
3AI-extractedPROVISION 01
The bill amends the computation of pay for federal firefighters by changing a specific numerical factor from '2756' to '2087' in federal law.
This technical adjustment in the pay calculation formula is intended to result in a higher computed hourly rate for firefighters, improving their overall compensation.
PROVISION 02
It requires that all regularly scheduled overtime hours be included when calculating the 'average pay' for retirement benefits for federal firefighters.
This ensures that a significant portion of a firefighter's actual earnings, which often includes scheduled overtime, is fully accounted for when determining their pension amount, leading to higher retirement benefits.
PROVISION 03
The bill directs the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to establish regulations for a maximum average workweek for federal firefighters, not to exceed 60 hours per week.
This provision aims to standardize and set a clear limit on the average hours federal firefighters are expected to work, promoting better work-life balance and potentially reducing burnout.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 77
D· Virginia
YRS IN OFFICE
17
BILLS LED
27
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 31%
DEM 65 REP 12 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
3 EVENTSNOV 20
ASSUMING FIRST SPONSORSHIP - Mr. Walkinshaw asked unanimous consent that he may hereafter be considered as the first sponsor of H.R. 759, a bill originally introduced by Representative Connolly, for the purpose of adding cosponsors and requesting reprintings pursuant to clause 7 of rule XII. Agreed to without objection.
JAN 28
Introduced in House
JAN 28
Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Bill
NumberHR 759
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedJan 28, 2025
Last actionNov 20, 2025
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · OVERSIGHT AND GOVERNMENT REFORM COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED JAN 28, 2025
House BillHR 759First responders and emergency personnelGovernment employee pay, benefits, personnel management
Federal Firefighters Families First Act
INTRODUCED JAN 28, 2025· LAST ACTION NOV 20, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
3 min
COSPONSORS
77
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
