The first ever Federal Legislator of the Year Award was presented today to Rep. Vito Fossella, R-N.Y., by the National Burglar & Fire Alarm Association (NBFAA) during the 2006 NBFAA Fall Conference and Chartered State Association Symposium in New Jersey.
Fossella was honored for his sponsorship of the College Life Safety and Fire Protection Act, a bill designed to establish a demonstration incentive program within the U.S. Department of Education to promote the professional installation of fire alarm detection systems, or other fire prevention technologies in qualified student housing, dormitories, and other university buildings. Under the provisions of the bill, the program would award matching grants to eligible institutions, including colleges, universities and tax-exempt fraternities and sororities.
Fossella was able to insert a slimmed down version of his bill as an amendment into the College Access and Opportunity Act (H.R. 609). The amendment will make the purchase of smoke detectors, manual pull stations, sprinkler and fire suppression systems, extinguishing systems, and other fire prevention technologies eligible for federal assistance. The measure has been approved by the U.S. House of Representatives and is awaiting a hearing in the U.S. Senate.
"In addition to this legislation Congressman Fossella has been a strong advocate for our industry on Capitol Hill in supporting our belief that fire detection plus fire suppression equals fire safety,'" said NBFAA President George Gunning. "We look forward to continuing our strong relationship with the congressman in the 110th Congress."
Fossella was first elected to Congress in 1997 in a special election to represent the 13th Congressional District of New York. He is Vice Chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Environment and is a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee and the House Financial Services Committee.
