Press Releases

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Thursday, U.S. Reps. Michael Waltz (R-Fla.) and Xochitl Torres Small (D-N.M.) introduced legislation to allow first responders easy access to personal supplies when responding to a major disaster.

Mobile exchange trucks sell low cost, tax-free toiletries and other personal supplies to military personnel responding to major disasters nationwide. Under current law, these supply vehicles are only available to military personnel.

If passed, H.R. 5310, the First Responder Access to Mobile Exchanges (FRAME) Act, would authorize the Secretary of Defense to allow first responders access to the Pentagon’s mobile commissary trucks during a major disaster.

“When a major disaster hits, local and regional first responders are critical to save lives and help communities recover,” Waltz said. “First responders answer the call of duty – and that often places them far from home for extended periods of time without fresh supplies or access to those supplies if stores close due to disasters. This legislation gives first responders quick and convenient access to supplies so they can continue serving devastated communities.”

“New Mexicans are grateful to the local first responders who act selflessly to ensure their fellow community members are taken care of during times of crisis,” said Torres Small. “By providing convenient and easy access to mobile commissaries, we can better support the men and women who bolt to action. I’m proud to partner with Representative Waltz to ensure our first responders can take care of their own needs when they are sent far from home at a moment’s notice.”

Florida is especially prone to hurricanes and flooding and New Mexico is also susceptible to floods. Since 2009, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has made 11 major disaster declarations in the state of Florida, the majority of which are due to major hurricanes. FEMA has made 8 major disaster declarations in New Mexico over the last decade.

“Florida and national first responders should always have essential resources necessary to save lives, protect property and assist in recovery efforts,” Waltz said. “I’m grateful to Rep. Torres Small for co-sponsoring this legislation with me. This effort shows our gratitude for our first responders’ hard work and dedication to helping our communities recover.”