IAFF.org IAFF members are beginning to see the impact of their advocacy on Capitol Hill following the 2025 Alfred K. Whitehead Legislative Conference earlier this month.  

Since March 3, the first full day of the conference, 44 members of Congress – 30 Democrats and 14 Republicans – have signed on to cosponsor the Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act, or Honor Act.

The Honor Act is one of the IAFF’s top legislative priorities for the 119th Congress. This bipartisan legislation would classify fire fighters who die from occupational cancer as line-of-duty deaths. The bill would also allow the survivors of these fallen fire fighters to qualify for the Public Safety Officer Benefits (PSOB) program, ensuring they have the resources they need during an incredibly challenging time.

The increase in support comes after IAFF members lobbied their elected officials in Washington, D.C., making the case on the importance of enacting federal policy that acknowledges the cancer risks posed to fire fighters.