PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Became Public Law No: 117-61.
Congressional Research Service
Version 49 · Public Law · Nov 18, 2021
Protecting America's First Responders Act of 2021
This bill makes changes to the Public Safety Officers' Benefits (PSOB) program. The PSOB program provides death, disability, and education benefits to public safety officers and survivors of public safety officers who are killed in the line of duty or permanently disabled as a result of catastrophic injuries sustained in the line of duty.
Among the changes, the bill
Showing the opening paragraphs of the official summary.
expands the public safety officers eligible for coverage under the PSOB program to include firefighters whose primary duty during an emergency response is to secure the scene or manage traffic and cadets or trainees in candidate-officer training;
extends coverage under the PSOB program to certain public safety officers responding outside their jurisdiction;
increases the interim benefit amount payable on a claim for death benefits and requires the interim amount to be adjusted annually for inflation;
increases the benefit amount payable on a death or disability claim that has been pending for more than 365 days on the date of the final determination;
allows the Department of Justice (DOJ) to use investigative tools, including subpoenas, to expedite the processing of claims and obtain information or documentation from third parties (e.g., public agencies);
specifies that an injury resulting from a neurocognitive disorder qualifies as a catastrophic injury for the purposes of disability benefits;
requires (currently, authorizes) DOJ to provide retroactive education benefits to qualifying children and spouses;
specifies that hearing officers appointed to review claims are special government employees (i.e., employees who perform temporary duties for a limited period of time) and are authorized to conduct examinations;
allows responders to the World Trade Center or their surviving family members to file claims for death or disability benefits in certain circumstances; and
extends the period during which public safety officers who die or become injured as a result of COVID-19 are eligible for benefits.
People & committees
Sen. Grassley, Chuck [R-IA] · R–IA
Legislative record
A procedural vote is different from passage. Passage in one chamber does not establish enactment. Explore the glossary.
Became Public Law No: 117-61.
Became Public Law No: 117-61.
Signed by President.
Signed by President.
Presented to President.
Presented to President.
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Senate agreed to the House amendment to S. 1511 by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S8054)
Resolving differences -- Senate actions: Senate agreed to the House amendment to S. 1511 by Unanimous Consent.(consideration: CR S8054)
Message on House action received in Senate and at desk: House amendment to Senate bill.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 420 - 3 (Roll no. 338). (text: CR H5948-5950)
House roll call 338 · Individual votesPassed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 420 - 3 (Roll no. 338).(text: CR H5948-5950)
House roll call 338 · Individual votesConsidered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H5954)
At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 1511.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H5948-5953)
Ms. Jackson Lee moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
Held at the desk.
Received in the House.
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent. (text: CR S4499-4501)
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent.(text: CR S4499-4501)
Measure laid before Senate by unanimous consent. (consideration: CR S4499-4501)
Senate Committee on the Judiciary discharged by Unanimous Consent.
Senate Committee on the Judiciary discharged by Unanimous Consent.
Committee on the Judiciary. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
Introduced in Senate
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Aug 10, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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