In a significant move, cancer has been officially recognized as a line-of-duty death for firefighters, leading to enhanced benefits for affected families and fellow first responders battling the disease.

This change came with the signing of the “National Defense Authorization Act” by President Donald Trump, which was incorporated into the broader military and Department of Defense budget for 2026.

With this legislation, death and educational benefits are extended to survivors, and certain cancers are presumed to be job-related, eliminating the need to identify a specific cause of exposure.

The initiative was led by U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, drawing inspiration from the story of Mike Paidar, a firefighter who succumbed to acute myeloid leukemia in August 2020.

The International Association of Fire Fighters thanked Congress, the House of Representatives and Trump for passing the act.

“This was a truly bipartisan effort, and I want to thank those lawmakers on Capitol Hill – both Republican and Democrat – who stood with us on this critical legislation,” General President Edward Kelly said. “I also want to thank President Trump, whose support was crucial in passing what is easily one of the most impactful pieces of legislation in our union’s history.” 

Now 20 types of cancers prominent in the fire service were added to existing federal law and will change Public Safety Officers’ Benefits.

“We know the devastation occupational cancer has brought to our profession. When a fire fighter dies from job-related cancer, that is a line-of-duty death – and it is long past time the federal government recognized that truth,” said Kelly. “The signing of the Honor Act marks a significant turning point. This legislation ensures our fallen are honored, and their families are not left behind.”