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Legislative
Notes
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November 5, 1999 from Washington, DC....
The
House of Representatives passed a major IAFF bill that clarifies the overtime
provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act as it applies to fire fighters/paramedics.
HR 1693, introduced by Rep. Bob Ehrlich (R-MD) was voted out of the House
Education and Workforce Committee on Wednesday by a unanimous voice vote.
On Thursday, the bill was placed on the House Suspension Calendar – which
indicates agreement by both parties and requires a 2/3 vote in favor to
pass. HR 1693 was supported by both Democrats and Republicans and
passed on a voice vote. The IAFF worked with the IAFC on this piece
of legislation as both groups strongly supported it. The action now
shifts to the Senate where we are working to move the bill quickly – hopefully
before Congress adjourns for the year.
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HR 1693 clarifies any
confusion over how the FLSA applies to fire fighters/paramedics by clearly
stating the Congressional intent of the law as it was applied to fire fighters
in 1985. The bill states that fire fighters who are cross-trained/dual
role paramedics, work for a fire department, and have the legal authority
and responsibility for fire suppression are covered under 7(k), thus qualifying
for overtime after 53 hours. All others would qualify under 7(a),
thus receiving overtime after 40 hours.
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The current continuing
resolution to fund the government expired on November 5. Congress
passed the fourth CR to fund the government through November 10 and the
President agreed to sign the bill. Little progress has been made
on the appropriations bills, with some progress on the Foreign Operations,
but no agreement on the overall spending that is necessary to reach final
agreement and end the budget stalemate.
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