Kean Introduces Bill to Create New Grants for Emergency Medical Services

November 2, 2026 Press Release (November 2, 2026) WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07) introduced the EMS SUPPORT Act of 2026 to direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to make grants for facility upgrades, equipment, training, or services for EMS personnel. “During a medical emergency, you deserve the highest level of care from the most qualified first responders with the best possible resources,” said Congressman Kean . “That is why I introduced the EMS SUPPORT Act to create a grant program and ensure that EMTs have the training and tools that they need to help individuals when they need it most.” “As both a Town of Clinton Councilman and Trustee of South Branch Emergency Services, I have seen firsthand the growing challenges facing emergency medical services across New Jersey and throughout our country,” said Clinton Councilman Ross Traphagen . “Our EMS agencies are being asked to respond to more emergencies than ever before, while struggling with rising operational costs, staffing shortages, and the financial burden of maintaining lifesaving equipment and ambulances. I strongly support Congressman Tom Kean Jr.’s EMS SUPPORT Act because it recognizes that reliable emergency medical services are not a luxury - they are an essential public service. By creating new federal funding opportunities for staffing, training, equipment, and infrastructure, this legislation would provide meaningful support to the men and women who answer the call when our communities need them most, while helping ease the financial pressure on local taxpayers. Every resident deserves to know that when they dial 911, a trained EMS crew will be there. This legislation is an important step toward ensuring that our EMS organizations have the resources they need to continue saving lives for generations to come.” “As a councilman and volunteer EMT of nearly 40 years, I understand personally how our nation’s EMS system needs support,” said Bridgewater Councilman Tim Ring . “This legislation that creates a grant program specifically for them is an important step forward in ensuring they have the funding they need to take care of our communities. I am deeply appreciative of Congressman Kean for always listening to his constituents, advocating on our behalf, and working to support emergency medical services and first responders across the country.” In 2024, Congressman Kean’s bill, the Fire Grants and Safety Act , was signed into law. The Fire Grants and Safety Act provided a five-year reauthorization for the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), the Assistance to Firefighter Grants (AFG) Program, and the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response Grant (SAFER) Program. Congressman Kean has secured nearly $22 million for first responders in New Jersey Seventh Congressional District through the Community Project Funding process. Read the bill text HERE . ###