Rep. Josh Riley Co-Sponsors HEROES Act to Deliver Student Loan Relief for Volunteer First Responders

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Josh Riley (NY-19) announced today his co-sponsorship of the Helping Emergency Responders Overcome Emergency Situations (HEROES) Act (H.R. 3146)—a bipartisan bill that would extend eligibility for the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program to include volunteer firefighters and emergency medical responders.

“If you’ve put on the gear and answered the call, you shouldn’t be buried in debt,” said Rep. Riley. “The HEROES Act gives volunteer firefighters the respect they’ve earned by making their service count toward student loan forgiveness. They don’t do it for the money—they do it because they love their communities and want to keep their neighbors safe.”

The HEROES Act would amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to recognize the service of unpaid emergency responders as qualifying public service under the PSLF program, making them eligible for federal student loan forgiveness after ten years of service and qualifying payments.

Riley’s Record: Fighting for Firefighters and First Responders

Rep. Riley’s support for the HEROES Act builds on a consistent legislative record of advancing public safety and supporting first responders:

• Opposed Burdensome OSHA Proposals
  Submitted formal comments urging the U.S. Department of Labor to exempt volunteer fire departments from proposed OSHA Emergency Response regulations that could overwhelm rural agencies.
• Advanced First Responder Workforce Development
  Supported funding for training programs at regional BOCES and healthcare institutions that equip EMTs, rescue workers, and other frontline personnel with vital skills.
• Honored Service at FASNY Centennial
  Delivered keynote remarks at the 100th anniversary of the Firefighters Association of the State of New York (FASNY) Museum, affirming his pledge to advocate for fire service needs in Congress.
• Secured Federal Investment in Emergency Infrastructure
  Requested FY2026 Community Project Funding for critical public safety facilities, including:
• Guilford Fire Station Project – $5.58 million
• West Athens Lime Street Firehouse – $4 million
• East Greenbush Police Department Improvement Project – $12 million

Read the full text of the HEROES Act (H.R. 3146) here: https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/3146/history