Federal fire fighters bill proposes work-hour cap and pension reform
Iain Hoey
Share this content
Senators introduce bipartisan bill to support U.S. federal fire fighters
Senators Ruben Gallego and Bernie Moreno have introduced a bipartisan bill to cap weekly work hours for federal fire fighters and address longstanding issues with pension calculations.
According to the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), the legislation – titled the Federal Fire Fighters Families First Act – limits pre-scheduled work hours to 60 per week and changes how overtime is included in pension formulas.
The IAFF stated that federal fire fighters currently work 72 hours per week, with shift structures that limit rest and recovery between deployments.
The trade union said this has created long-term health, safety, and family wellbeing concerns for fire fighters across military bases, research sites, and other federal locations.
The proposed bill, introduced on 25 July 2025, complements a previously submitted House version, H.R. 759, sponsored by Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick and the late Gerry Connolly.
IAFF says excessive schedules are damaging fire fighters’ health
The IAFF has said that the current work schedules of federal fire fighters are putting their physical and mental health at risk.
General President Edward Kelly said: “Federal fire fighters are being pushed to the brink as they work gruelling schedules that jeopardise their health, safety, and well-being.
“That’s why the IAFF proudly supports the Federal Fire Fighters Families First Act – it caps excessive workweeks, fixes broken retirement rules, and honours the hours our members serve.”
He added: “Not only is this schedule physically demanding, but it also has a mental impact, as these fire fighters are forced to spend so much time away from their families.
“I want to thank Senators Gallego and Moreno for supporting these brave men and women – and their families.
“It’s time for U.S. government to recognise the sacrifices these fire fighters are making every day to protect our federal facilities.
“I urge Congress to pass this bipartisan legislation as quickly as possible.”
Weekly hour cap set at 60 under proposed legislation
The bill would limit pre-scheduled hours for federal fire fighters to 60 per week.
According to the IAFF, current schedules often require personnel to leave or return to work every 24 hours, with little opportunity for recovery.
Senator Ruben Gallego said: “Federal fire fighters protect our communities from wildfires and keep our veterans and service members safe.
“But right now, these brave men and women are forced to work gruelling hours at pay rates far below what other fire fighters make.”
He continued: “It’s unacceptable, and I’m proud to introduce bipartisan legislation to fix it.”
The IAFF explained that the new cap is intended to better align federal schedules with those of non-federal fire departments.
Pension calculations revised under the new bill
The proposed bill also addresses what the IAFF called “unjust penalties” in federal fire fighter pensions.
Currently, 26 percent of pre-scheduled overtime is excluded from retirement benefit calculations.
The IAFF stated that this exclusion reduces long-term earnings and adds to issues of burnout and attrition in federal fire services.
The organisation said the bill will ensure all pre-scheduled hours are included in pension formulae.
Senator Bernie Moreno said: “America’s fire fighters put their lives on the line every day to protect and save communities across the country.”
He added: “This legislation makes sure they and their families are fairly compensated for the incredible work they do and sacrifices they make.”
Companion bill already introduced in the U.S. House
The Senate bill serves as a companion to H.R. 759, introduced in January 2025 in the U.S. House of Representatives.
The earlier bill was brought forward by Representative Brian Fitzpatrick and Representative Gerry Connolly, who passed away earlier this year.
According to the IAFF, both versions aim to establish the same protections and benefits for federal fire fighters.
The association added that alignment between the House and Senate bills is intended to streamline the legislative process and build bipartisan support.
Federal fire fighters bill proposes work-hour cap and pension reform: Summary
Senators Gallego and Moreno introduced a bipartisan bill for federal fire fighters on 25 July 2025.
The bill is titled the Federal Fire Fighters Families First Act.
It proposes a cap of 60 hours per week for federal fire fighter schedules.
The International Association of Fire Fighters said current schedules average 72 hours per week.
The IAFF said these schedules negatively affect fire fighters’ health and wellbeing.
The bill would also change pension calculations for federal fire fighters.
It includes pre-scheduled overtime hours in retirement benefit formulas.
Currently, 26 percent of these hours are excluded from calculations, the IAFF said.
The new bill is the Senate version of House Resolution 759.
House Resolution 759 was introduced in January 2025.
It was sponsored by Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick and Gerry Connolly.
The IAFF has publicly endorsed both versions of the legislation.
The organisation has urged Congress to pass the bill.