WASHINGTON —Pennsylvania’s U.S Sens. Bob Casey, D-Pa., and Pat Toomey, R-Pa., announced the Senate passage of their bipartisan legislation, the Children of Fallen Heroes Scholarship Act, which would give the children of fallen law enforcement officers, firefighters, and EMS workers the maximum Pell Grant authorized by federal law.
“First responders put their lives on the line every day without hesitation,” said Casey. “Our nation must do all it can to help their families when tragedy strikes. This is a commonsense step that Congress can take to help ease the burden that these children confront as they enter college. The Senate has taken a step forward in honoring these heroes by passing this legislation and it is now time for the House to do the same.”
“Our police officers, firefighters, and other first responders embody what it means to be a public servant. Day in and day out they risk their lives to serve and protect us,” said Toomey. “When one of these heroes pays the ultimate sacrifice, we owe it to their families to lend a helping hand. I am very pleased the Senate passed this bipartisan bill to ensure that children of first responders who are killed in the line of duty are able to receive an education and I urge the House to follow suit in short order.”
A similar benefit is provided for children of parents in the Armed Forces who were killed in the line of duty in Iraq or Afghanistan after Sept. 11, 2001.
