Robert Hurt votes to protect volunteer firefighters, EMTs from employer mandates

Congressman Robert Hurt (R-Va.) voted in favor of H.R. 3979, the Protecting Volunteer Firefighters and Emergency Responders Act, which would ensure emergency service volunteers are not included when determining full-time employees to be considered under the employer mandate of the president’s healthcare law.

“Communities throughout the Fifth District rely on volunteer firefighters and emergency responders, and we are thankful every day for the sacrifices they make,” Hurt said.  “Given that the President’s health care law imposes fines on businesses and entities not in compliance with the law’s employer mandate, it is imperative that we differentiate volunteers from employees to protect these volunteer organizations.  The consequences of failing to do so would cripple these essential emergency services in communities across the country.  I was pleased to see this important measure pass the House today, and I stand committed to continuing to fight to protect Americans and Virginians from the harmful effects of the President’s health care law.”