House Passes Congressman Menendez’s Bill to Protect Firefighters in the Coast Guard Authorization Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, the United States House of Representatives passed Congressman Menendez’s bill, H.R. 7702, as part of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2024. Congressman Menendez introduced this bill in response to the tragic vessel fire that occurred in Newark in July 2023, which claimed the lives of two Newark firefighters, Augusto “Augie” Acabou and Wayne “Bear” Brooks Jr. The bill calls for a study on vessel fires within three nautical miles of the shoreline to reduce vessel and waterfront facility risk to local communities.

“In memory of the bravery and sacrifice of Augusto “Augie” Acabou and Wayne “Bear” Brooks Jr, we are taking a significant step to protect firefighters and port communities from vessel fires,” said Congressman Menendez. “Handling such dangerous fires in tight quarters, with diverse cargo, and increasingly large ships complicates response efforts. By better understanding the dynamics of these fires, we can enhance safety protocols and improve firefighting capabilities, preventing future tragedies like the Port Newark Fire.”

In 2022 alone, there were 209 reported fire incidents involving large container ships and other vessels – the highest number in a decade and the most expensive cause of loss in marine industry insurance claims.

H.R. 7702 directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to submit a comprehensive report to Congress providing insights into the causes, impacts, and responses to vessel fires, as well as provide recommendations for enhanced safety measures. 

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