Josh Harder (D-CA)
To extend the break-in-service consideration for firefighter retirements, and other purposes.
A Democratic bill with 2 Republican cosponsors · See all 2 cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill aims to extend how service time is considered for firefighter retirements. It amends the definition of a "firefighter" within the Federal Employees' Retirement System to include certain employees in supervisory or administrative roles. Specifically, it addresses those who transitioned from nonwildland or wildland fire duties after serving at least three years. The legislation also allows for the recognition of service performed between October 1, 2003, and the date of enactment. To receive credit for this past service, individuals must submit a written election and pay specific additional amounts.
Yes
- Scored +6
Would retired people be better off under this?
It increases the retirement service time for firefighters, potentially leading to higher pension benefits.
- Scored +5
Would people over 65 be better off under this?
The bill enhances retirement benefits and service recognition for current and future senior employees in firefighting roles.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Expanded retirement recognition for supervisors: The bill updates the definition of a firefighter to include those in supervisory or administrative positions after they have performed duties such as nonwildland or wildland fire control for at least 3 years (Section 1, subsection a).
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Credit for past service: Individuals can receive credit for service performed between October 1, 2003, and the day before this Act is enacted, provided they meet specific requirements (Section 1, subsection b, paragraph 1).
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Government contribution matching: If an individual remits the required additional payments for past service, the employing agency will remit the total additional amount of Federal contributions that would have been paid to the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund (Section s 1, subsection b, paragraph 3).
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Information and assistance: The Director of the Office of Personnel Management is required to inform eligible individuals of their entitlements and assist them in obtaining necessary information to verify their service (Section 1, subsection b, paragraph 4).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Financial burden for service credit: To receive credit for past service, individuals must remit the additional amount that would have been deducted from their pay during that period, plus applicable interest (Section 1, subsection b, paragraph 2, subparagraph C).
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Requirement for written action: To obtain credit for eligible service, an individual must proactively submit a written election to their employing agency (Section 1, subsection b, paragraph 2, subparagraph A).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would retired people be better off under this? — It increases the retirement service time for firefighters, potentially leading to higher pension benefits. Would people over 65 be better off under this? — The bill enhances retirement benefits and service recognition for current and future senior employees in firefighting roles.
- 8/5/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 7/23/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Brian FitzpatrickRepublican · Pennsylvania
Scott FranklinRepublican · Florida