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House Republicans Reject Ryan Amendment
WASHINGTON -- The House of Representatives yesterday rejected an amendment by U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan of Niles, D-17, that would have authorized federal dollars to states to hire and train 100,000 new first responders. "Since Sept. 11, our communities and towns have been forced to require police and other individuals involved in public safety to log many hours of overtime," Ryan said in a press release issued by his office. "We continue to lack sufficient medical and support personnel to respond to a large-scale terrorist attack."If approved, the amendment to H.R. 444, the Back to Work Incentive Act, would have given priority to the hiring and training of firefighters, police, rescue, paramedic and other medical personnel. The amendment called for funding through the 2009 federal fiscal year. The funds would have been apportioned to governors of each state based on their state's population. The governors would then allocate 75% of the funds to local Workforce Investment Act boards based on each county's population within the state. Of the remaining allocation, 20% would have been available as discretionary funds for governors to distribute to first responders in the state based on need, with the remaining 5% available to cover administrative costs. "These individuals are on the front line of our nation's defense against terrorist attacks and deserve our full support," Ryan stated. "This program would provide an economic boost where it's needed -- our local communities."Rep. George Miller of California, D-7, senior Democrat on the Education & Workforce Committee, praised Ryan's amendment and pressed House Republicans to allow its consideration. "The Ryan amendment would allow for the hiring of first responders by local communities. Not only does this amendment have the added benefit of making our communities safer, but it also creates sorely needed jobs," he said.The vote to allow consideration of Congressman Ryan's amendment failed on a mostly party-line vote, with Democrats voting to allow consideration and Republicans voting against."