Contact Congress about H.R. 3146: HEROES Act

Some volunteer firefighters and EMTs could count their service toward federal student loan forgiveness. The Education Department would set the hour rules and proof process.

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HEROES Act is a House bill in committee. The latest recorded action: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.

Latest action on H.R. 3146: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.

Who this affects: This bill mainly affects volunteer firefighters and volunteer EMTs with federal student loans. It could also affect the departments and organizations that track their service hours. Paid full-time first responders may still qualify under existing Public Service Loan Forgiveness rules, but this bill creates a separate path for certain volunteers.

Why this matters: Many communities rely on volunteer first responders, and this bill could help volunteers who also carry student debt. It could make service more affordable for people who fight fires or provide emergency care without full-time pay from that organization. The final impact is uncertain because the Education Department would set the hour rules, and volunteers would still need to meet the rest of the loan forgiveness program requirements.

Key provisions in H.R. 3146

• Volunteer firefighter and volunteer EMT service could count as public service for Public Service Loan Forgiveness. That program can erase remaining federal student loan debt after enough qualifying service and payments.
• The new path only covers people who volunteer at a place where they are not full-time paid employees. This includes the same fire department, ambulance service, health facility, or public safety group where they serve.
• Volunteer firefighters could count several kinds of emergency work. This includes firefighting, fire prevention, emergency medical care, and related response work for a legally recognized fire department or public safety group.
• Volunteer EMTs must be trained and allowed to do the work under state or local law. They must be certified, licensed, or otherwise authorized to provide emergency care, pre-hospital care, or ambulance service.
• The Education Secretary must set the minimum volunteer time needed. Meeting that minimum would let the volunteer be treated like a full-time worker for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

How Modern Action helps you take action on H.R. 3146

You do not have to start with a blank letter. Modern Action turns the bill, your position, and the relevant congressional context into a message you can edit and send. The goal is to make contacting Congress clear, specific, and useful without forcing you to parse bill text or figure out the right office on your own.

Questions people ask about H.R. 3146

What is H.R. 3146?

Some volunteer firefighters and EMTs could count their service toward federal student loan forgiveness. The Education Department would set the hour rules and proof process.

How do I support or oppose H.R. 3146?

Choose support, oppose, or ask for changes on Modern Action. The action flow drafts the message for you and keeps the wording tied to this bill.

Who should I contact about H.R. 3146?

Modern Action uses your location to route the action to the congressional offices relevant to the bill and your representation.

Can Modern Action explain H.R. 3146 before I act?

Yes. Modern Action gives you a plain-English summary, current status, and action context before you send anything.