WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.) introduced a bipartisan bill to extend the deadline for the National Emergency Medical Services Memorial Foundation to establish a memorial in Washington, D.C. honoring the nation’s EMS professionals. This extension is necessary to ensure EMS personnel, who have dedicated their career to providing life-saving care, receive long-overdue recognition in the nation’s capital. The bill is also cosponsored by U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-La.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), and Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.).
“Every day, emergency medical technicians are the first line of support when lives in their communities are in danger, sometimes throwing themselves into dangerous and deadly situations to begin treatment,” said Senator Coons. “These first responders deserve to be commemorated in our nation’s capital, and I’ll continue to work to ensure that the National Emergency Medical Services Memorial is completed. This bipartisan bill would mean that EMS organizations have the time they need to build a memorial worthy of them, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to pass it into law.”
“EMTs and paramedics in Missouri, and across the United States, work tirelessly during emergencies, often putting themselves in harm’s way to save lives. Thanks to this legislation, our emergency medical service providers will have a well-deserved national memorial that reminds the public of their commitment to service and honors those who have died in the line-of-duty,” said Senator Schmitt.
“Every single day, emergency medical services first responders are saving lives throughout the nation,” said Senator Shaheen. “I’m proud to join my colleagues on this effort to create a memorial to recognize the heroic Americans who are first on the scene, providing medical care in our communities.”
“As a doctor, I have seen the tight coordination of EMS first responders making sure that someone who has a problem outside the hospital survives and gets well once more. They deserve to be honored with a permanent tribute in our nation’s capital,” said Dr. Cassidy.
“EMS workers put their lives on the line every single day to protect families and save lives,” said Senator Warren. “We owe them our deep respect and thanks for their selfless service.”
“Wyoming's EMS professionals commit themselves to delivering critical, life-saving services throughout our rural state, frequently facing personal danger,” said Senator Lummis. “This bipartisan bill extends the deadline for establishing a National EMS Memorial in Washington, D.C., ensuring these courageous individuals receive the long overdue recognition they deserve in our nation's capital. I look forward to the opportunity to visit this memorial and honor their extraordinary service someday.”
A companion bill in the House of Representatives is led by Rep. Richard Hudson (R-N.C.) and Rep. Stephen Lynch (D-Mass.). The bill is endorsed by the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT), the American Ambulance Association (AAA), and the International Association of EMS Chiefs (IAEMSC).
“NAEMT commends Senator Schmitt and Senator Coons for introducing legislation to reauthorize the EMS Memorial in Washington, D.C.,” said NAEMT President Chief Chris Way. “The permanent creation and placement of the National EMS Memorial should remain a top priority for all of us, elected officials and EMS leaders alike. Much like our fire service and law enforcement colleagues, honoring those who died in the line of duty, in service to others and their communities, with a proper memorial is the least we can do to pay appropriate respect to these heroes. I urge you to join me and my fellow EMS professionals in supporting this incredibly important project. Let’s make sure we never forget the ultimate price paramedics, EMTs, and other EMS personnel have paid by honoring their ultimate sacrifice.”
“The American Ambulance Association sincerely thank Senators Coons and Schmitt for reintroducing legislation to reauthorize the National EMS Memorial in our nation’s capital,” said AAA President Jamie Pafford-Gresham. “Paramedics, EMTs and other EMS professionals provide vital and often lifesaving 9-1-1 emergency and interfacility medical care to our communities and we should properly acknowledge their profession.”
“The proposed extension of this legislative authority through November 3, 2032, represents both a timely and vital step toward ensuring that the courage, compassion, and sacrifice of our EMS professionals are permanently recognized in our nation's capital,” said IAEMSC President Scott Cormier. “EMS clinicians—often the first to respond in times of crisis—have long stood as unsung heroes within the public safety community. Their commitment to saving lives in the face of disaster and danger merits a place of national remembrance alongside our fire and law enforcement counterparts.”
The original bill introduced in 2018, titled the National Emergency Medical Services Commemorative Work Act, authorized the National Emergency Medical Services Memorial Foundation to establish a commemorative work on federal land in D.C. within seven years of enactment. However, the Foundation’s authority to create a memorial expired before the project could be completed due to delays caused by COVID-19 and other challenges. The new legislation would extend the authorization through 2032.
The memorial will be fully funded by the foundation rather than taxpayer, and any extra funds will be returned to the federal government after the project wraps up.
You can read the full text of the bill here.