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Enhanced Support for First Responders: Increased Benefits and Easier Access to Aid.

This act increases benefits for public safety officers who become permanently and totally disabled due to line-of-duty injuries. It also streamlines the application process for these benefits, including for those affected by the September 11, 2001 attacks and the COVID-19 pandemic. The changes aim to provide better financial support and faster access to aid for those who risk their lives for public safety.
Key points
Increased benefit amounts for public safety officers who become permanently disabled.
Streamlined application process for benefits, including the use of subpoenas to expedite claim processing.
Expanded definition of "catastrophic injury" to include neurocognitive disorders and easier qualification for benefits in cases of blindness, paraplegia, or quadriplegia.
Inclusion of candidate officers, volunteer firefighters, and ambulance crew members in the support program.
Extension of support for first responders affected by COVID-19 until the end of 2023 or the end of the public health emergency.
New claims window for September 11, 2001 responders, even if previous claims were denied or not filed.
article Official text account_balance Process page
VOTING RESULTS
2021-10-27
99%
For 420
Against 3
Abstain 0
Full voting results open_in_new
Became Law
Citizen Poll
No votes cast
Additional Information
Print number: 117_S_1511
Sponsor: Sen. Grassley, Chuck [R-IA]
Process start date: 2021-04-29
Voting date: 2021-10-27
Meeting no: 1
Voting no: 338
Lustra uses Artificial Intelligence. Verify details in source documents.
Summarized by: gemini-2.5-flash-preview-05-20
Source data: api.congress.gov
AI work logs for this document launch

OFFICIAL LEGAL TITLE

Protecting America’s First Responders Act of 2021

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the official ID of this bill?

The official print number for this legislation is 117_S_1511.

Which chamber initiated this legislation?

This legislation was initiated in the Senate.

When did the legislative process begin?

The process officially started on 2021-04-29.

What are the main provisions?

Key points include:

  • Increased benefit amounts for public safety officers who become permanently disabled.
  • Streamlined application process for benefits, including the use of subpoenas to expedite claim processing.
  • Expanded definition of "catastrophic injury" to include neurocognitive disorders and easier qualification for benefits in cases of blindness, paraplegia, or quadriplegia.
  • Inclusion of candidate officers, volunteer firefighters, and ambulance crew members in the support program.
  • Extension of support for first responders affected by COVID-19 until the end of 2023 or the end of the public health emergency.
  • New claims window for September 11, 2001 responders, even if previous claims were denied or not filed.
What is the specific legal status?

The current status is Became Law.

Where can I read the full text of this legislation?

The full official text is available at: View full text

Where is the official voting record?

The official roll call vote is recorded at: voting record

Who is the primary sponsor?

The primary sponsor is Sen. Grassley, Chuck [R-IA].

What is the latest detailed status?

The latest detailed status is: Became Public Law No: 117-61.

Is this summary verified?

Yes. This content was analyzed by AI and verified by the Lustra Judge System on 2025-12-29.

CATEGORIES

Benefits Security Health