The economy, homeland security, first responder safety take center stage 
Vice President Joe Biden will join Speaker Pelosi and Homeland Secretary Janet Napolitano at the IAFF 2009 Legislative Conference
Vice President Joe Biden will address more than 1,000 leaders of the fire fighters union Monday at the International Association of Fire Fighters 2009 Legislative Conference, held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel on Capitol Hill, March 15-18.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, U.S. Senate Homeland Security Committee Chairman Joe Lieberman (I-CT) and Senate Homeland Security Committee Ranking Member Susan Collins (R-Maine) are among the list of bipartisan speakers at the conference. The economy, homeland security and first responder issues will be the focus of discussion.
On Tuesday delegates to the conference will be on Capitol Hill visiting with their senators and representatives. Jared Bernstein, chief economist for Vice President Biden, will speak Wednesday.
"The support of fire fighters and this union is a proven, powerful political tool in getting laws passed and
good candidates elected," said IAFF General President Harold A. Schaitberger. More than 90 percent of the
candidates endorsed by the IAFF last November were elected. The IAFF also endorsed Barack Obama for
president.
"In these tough economic times, many fire departments are facing budget cuts that seriously jeopardize the
safety and security of the public, communities and fire fighters," Schaitberger said.
"Fire fighters are already working with the Obama administration and Congress to support critical legislation that ensures adequate resources and protections for first responders in the defense of their communities and our homeland."
