President George W. Bush proposes the creation of a new $3.5 billion program to aid first responders, but the new program would eliminate the successful FIRE Act and other existing fire service programs. General President Harold Schaitberger sends a letter to President Bush, asking him to support full funding for the FIRE Act. But in August, President Bush decides not to authorize a $5.1 billion supplemental appropriations bill for the FIRE Act and FDNY families. In lieu of FIRE Act funding, President Bush decides to develop a new first responder program to provide unprecedented amounts of money to states to help fire fighters and other first responders prepare for terrorist attacks, but does not allow the use of federal funds to hire additional fire fighters, despite inadequate staffing nationwide. When asked why, Bush officials merely reiterated their mantra that the president admires and respects fire fighters.
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