WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) is introducing a bill that would include utility line technicians under the Department of Homeland Security’s definition of “emergency response providers.” Senator John Kennedy (R-LA) introduced companion legislation in the U.S. Senate earlier this month.
Read the bill here.
Congressman Higgins issued the following statement:
“Utility linemen performed truly heroic work following Hurricanes Laura and Delta. They worked tirelessly for weeks to rebuild the grid and restore power across South Louisiana. Line work is dangerous on a good day and very, very dangerous on a bad day. Our bill honors linemen and recognizes these men and women as first responders. This legislation will streamline recovery efforts after a storm by enhancing the Stafford Act definition of first responders.”
