National Fire Academy RESCUE Act

Reimburse fire departments after canceled Academy courses

This bill would let fire departments get reimbursed when National Fire Academy courses are canceled because FEMA funding lapses. Covered costs would include travel and backfill (overtime and staffing shifts). It would cover on-campus, off-campus, virtual classes, and on-campus Academy conferences. A fire chief would have 30 days after the lapse ends to apply with an itemized list. FEMA would pay within 90 days after the lapse ends or after it gets the itemization, whichever is later. No reimbursement would be paid if the cancellation was for good cause, like instructor illness, a facility closure for other reasons, or a national emergency that blocks access.