NATIONAL EMS MEMORIAL LEGISLATION

PUBLIC LAW 115-275

National EMS Memorial Bill signed into law.

November 3, 2018

WASHINGTON, D.C. — After passing through the House & the Senate by unanimous consent, H.R. 1037 was signed into law by the President of the United States on Saturday November 3rd 2018, becoming public law 115-275. “An act to authorize the National Emergency Medical Services Memorial Foundation to establish a commemorative work in the District of Columbia and its environs, and for other purposes.”

This new law allows the National EMS Memorial Foundation to establish a permanent memorial to the Nation’s EMS providers on Federal lands in the District of Columbia.

We would like to thank Representative Stephen Lynch (D-MA), Representative King (R-NY), Senator Coons (D-DE) and Senator Capito (R-WV) for sponsoring our Bill as well as all other members of Congress who voted in favor of this most important legislation.

You can help the Foundation accomplish its mission of commemorating the service, commitment and sacrifice of our nation’s EMS providers by making a donation here.

SENATE 1692

Senate Energy and Natural Resource Committee Moves Senate 1692; “National Emergency Medical Services Commemorative Work Act” Forward To Senate Floor.

March 8, 2018

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Chairman U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski encourages her colleagues to work together to ensure passage of Senate 1692

The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee favorably reported Senate 1692: National Emergency Medical Services Commemorative Work Act by unanimous voice vote without amendment, with bipartisan support, on March 8, 2018Senate 1692 would authorize the National Emergency Medical Services Memorial Foundation to establish a commemorative work on federal land in the District of Columbia and its environs to pay tribute to the commitment and service represented by emergency medical services.Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Chairman U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski encourages her colleagues to work together to ensure passage of Senate 1692 and other important measures. “We are not just doing this for the exercise we are doing this because we want to enact the law. My ask to all of you is help us…let’s do some work here.”U.S. Senate“The favorable vote from the senate Energy is a huge step forward for the EMS Memorial project.

The bill now moves to the Senate floor for consideration. The Foundation would like to thank Senator Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Senator Cantwell (D-Washington) for their bipartisan leadership and the entire committee for their support”, said Foundation Executive Director Katie Orsino. “Senator Murkowski’s opening remarks not only encourage the members of this committee but also the entire EMS community. Now is the time for everyone in EMS to contact their respective Senators and simply ask for their support of Senate 1692. Let’s do some work here.”

Click here to download a PDF of the bill.

Click here to download a PDF of a statement from The National Park Service.

Click here to watch the Subcommittee on National Parks Legislative Hearing.

Please note: The EMS Memorial testimony starts at 31:30 in the video. . .

H.R. 1037

H.R. 1037 referred to the Subcommittee on Federal Lands.

February 13, 2017

WASHINGTON, DC — This week, Congressman Stephen F. Lynch (D-Boston) and Congressman Peter T. King (R-New York) introduced H.R. 1037, A Bill to Establish a National EMS Memorial. Each year, the 850,000 first responders of the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) answer more than 30 million calls serving 22 million patients in need of life-saving care at a moment’s notice without reservation. The men and women of the EMS are our country’s first line of defense in the prevention and mitigation of risk from terrorist attacks, man-made incidents, and natural disasters. This bipartisan legislation creates a National Emergency Medical Services Memorial Foundation to establish a commemorative work on federal land in the District of Columbia to honor the ongoing commitment and sacrifice of the EMS members across the country.

“Americans rely on the courage and selfless sacrifice of the men and women of the Emergency Medical Services. I deeply appreciate their commitment to maintaining safety and security in our country. We cannot forget the risks that these first responders face from high injury rates to more than 600 professionals who gave their lives protecting their communities,” said Congressman Lynch. “I am proud to introduce H.R. 1037 alongside my friend, Pete King of New York, in order to honor the members of the EMS and memorialize the sacrifice made by first responders and their loved ones.”

“The men and women of EMS put their lives on the line to save our families and loved ones. Unfortunately, too many of these heroes have made the ultimate sacrifice. I am proud to work with Congressman Lynch to make sure the EMS community is given the proper memorial to recognize their sacrifice and commitment,” said Congressman King.

In particular, H.R.1037 authorizes the National Emergency Medical Services Memorial Foundation to establish a commemorative work recognizing the commitment and service represented by the EMS under the Commemorative Works Act. The legislation notes that “the scope of responsibility assumed by the men and women of the Emergency Medical Services is broad and unique and their sacrifice and commitment in service to our Nation are deserving of a commemorative work that recognizes such.”

“As a nation we rely on the men and women of EMS to respond to every one of our calls without hesitation. We know that our lives mean something to them, so much so that they are willing to give up their own to help us. We cannot ignore or forget the commitment, service and sacrifice of those who would give so much for others. All we want is to let them know that their lives mean something to us,” said Katie Orsino, Executive Director of the National EMS Memorial Foundation.

H.R. 1037 is cosponsored by Representatives Raul Ruiz (D-CA), Daniel Lipinski (D-IL), Jeff Duncan (R-SC), Denny Heck (D-WA), Katherine M. Clark (D-MA), Timothy J. Walz (D-MN), James P. McGovern (D-MA), Kathleen M. Rice (D-NY), William R. Keating (D-MA), and Joseph P. Kennedy III (D-MA).

Click here to download a PDF of the bill.