Senate Hearing Calls for FTC Investigation into Fire Equipment Market Concentration
September 10, 2025 | Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs: Senate Committee, Standing Committees - House & Senate, Congressional Hearings Compilation
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The Subcommittee on Disaster Management convened on September 10, 2025, to address critical issues surrounding America's fire apparatus crisis, particularly focusing on the concentration of market power among a few manufacturers. The meeting highlighted the urgent need for federal investigation into the practices of dominant firms in the fire equipment industry.
The session began with discussions on the alarming fact that three companies control 80% of the fire apparatus manufacturing market. This concentration has led to rising prices and reduced competition, making it increasingly difficult for firefighters to obtain the necessary equipment to ensure public safety. In response to these concerns, members of the subcommittee expressed strong support for an investigation by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) into potential anti-competitive practices.
Senator Warren emphasized the importance of understanding how the industry reached its current state, urging the FTC to conduct a study that would illuminate the barriers faced by smaller manufacturers. Expert testimony from industry representatives underscored the need for such an inquiry, with calls for transparency regarding the practices of major players like Rev Group and Pierce.
Chief Rubin shared firsthand experiences of the challenges faced by fire departments, detailing instances where delays in receiving fire trucks jeopardized public safety. He recounted efforts to procure equipment, noting that even when options were available, they often did not meet the specific needs of urban firefighting.
As the discussion progressed, representatives from Rev Group and Pierce were questioned about their willingness to support an FTC study. While they acknowledged ongoing cooperation with the FTC, their responses were perceived as evasive, raising concerns about transparency in the industry. Senator Warren pressed for clarity, questioning why the companies hesitated to fully endorse an investigation if they believed they were acting in the best interests of fire departments.
The meeting concluded with a consensus on the necessity of an FTC inquiry to better understand the competitive landscape of the fire apparatus market. The subcommittee members agreed that such an investigation could provide critical insights into the challenges faced by firefighters and help ensure they have the resources needed to protect their communities effectively. The urgency of the situation was clear, with calls for immediate action to address the ongoing crisis in fire equipment availability.
The session began with discussions on the alarming fact that three companies control 80% of the fire apparatus manufacturing market. This concentration has led to rising prices and reduced competition, making it increasingly difficult for firefighters to obtain the necessary equipment to ensure public safety. In response to these concerns, members of the subcommittee expressed strong support for an investigation by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) into potential anti-competitive practices.
Senator Warren emphasized the importance of understanding how the industry reached its current state, urging the FTC to conduct a study that would illuminate the barriers faced by smaller manufacturers. Expert testimony from industry representatives underscored the need for such an inquiry, with calls for transparency regarding the practices of major players like Rev Group and Pierce.
Chief Rubin shared firsthand experiences of the challenges faced by fire departments, detailing instances where delays in receiving fire trucks jeopardized public safety. He recounted efforts to procure equipment, noting that even when options were available, they often did not meet the specific needs of urban firefighting.
As the discussion progressed, representatives from Rev Group and Pierce were questioned about their willingness to support an FTC study. While they acknowledged ongoing cooperation with the FTC, their responses were perceived as evasive, raising concerns about transparency in the industry. Senator Warren pressed for clarity, questioning why the companies hesitated to fully endorse an investigation if they believed they were acting in the best interests of fire departments.
The meeting concluded with a consensus on the necessity of an FTC inquiry to better understand the competitive landscape of the fire apparatus market. The subcommittee members agreed that such an investigation could provide critical insights into the challenges faced by firefighters and help ensure they have the resources needed to protect their communities effectively. The urgency of the situation was clear, with calls for immediate action to address the ongoing crisis in fire equipment availability.
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