Some US firefighters are paid as little as fast-food workers. Will Congress change that?

Two new bills could secure higher pay and add support, but advocates say they're only the beginning of reforms needed

Firefighters from across the US fought side by side to quell the firestorm in Los Angeles this month, working tirelessly together in dangerous and chaotic conditions. But there was one glaring difference among them: federal firefighters are paid just a fraction of what state and local crews make doing the same work.

It's a problem that's long plagued the federal crews who play a crucial role in protecting the country when catastrophes unfold.