Yesterday, Congressman Patrick McHenry (NC-10) was joined by Congressman Ted Budd (NC-13), Congressman Richard Hudson (NC-08), Congressman Greg Murphy (NC-03), Congressman Dan Bishop (NC-09), Congressman Madison Cawthorn (NC-11), Congresswoman Virginia Foxx (NC-05), and Congressman David Rouzer (NC-07) in introducing H.R. 3874, legislation that would allow full-time nonprofit firefighters and emergency medical service workers to join a state or local retirement system.

"Every day, the brave men and women serving in our volunteer fire and EMS departments work tirelessly to keep our communities safe," said Congressman McHenry. "This legislation will ensure these essential personnel are finally able to receive the same benefits as their state-employed counterparts. I'm proud to author this bill that supports our full-time volunteer firefighters and EMS as they protect and serve our communities."

“Firefighters and EMS workers keep us safe and deserve our support," said Congressman Hudson. "I am proud to join Rep. McHenry to introduce this legislation that would allow these nonprofit first responders to access the North Carolina state pension fund. I look forward to working with my colleagues to advance this commonsense bill in Congress."

“First responders put their life on the line for our health and safety every day," said Congressman Greg Murphy. "It is time we reward these North Carolinians for their valiant efforts by allowing them to opt into the NC state pension fund. In doing so, we are creating fair opportunities for nonprofit first responders to keep qualified individuals and save more lives. I thank these dedicated members of our community for their service and sacrifice.”

“Anyone who serves our communities as a first responder deserves to have access to a full pension and a secure retirement," said Congressman Budd. "I’m proud to join Rep. McHenry in proposing a bill that would help achieve that.”

“America’s first responders represent our front line defense against terror and tragedy," said Congressman Cawthorn. "There should be no debate when it comes to providing them with the resources they need to care for their families. Allowing our first responders in North Carolina to opt into the NC state pension fund is a common sense step to ensure highly qualified individuals remain in places of public service. I am proud to support this legislation that prioritizes the interests of our first responders.”

"Our first responders work around the clock and risk their lives every day to keep our communities safe," said Congressman Rouzer. "I’m proud to join my colleagues from North Carolina in introducing a bill to ensure that nonprofit firefighters and emergency medical service workers can join a state or local retirement system and earn the benefits they deserve by so nobly serving the public.”

Background: For years, the IRS has prevented full-time volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel from joining the North Carolina state retirement system despite providing the same emergency and community services as those employed by the state. This legislation creates a special rule to clarify that 501c (nonprofit) public safety agency firefighters and EMS workers can join the governmental plan of the locality or state they are contracted to work in.