Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act of 2025
Wildfire Fighting: Selling Military Planes for Firefighting
Signed Into Law
This legislation has been enacted.
Legislative Progress
Key Points
- This law allows the Department of Defense to sell old military planes and spare parts to companies that fight wildfires. Instead of letting these planes sit unused, they will be used as "air tankers" to drop water or fire retardant on forest fires.
- The new rules clarify that these planes can be used to drop water, not just chemical fire retardants. This gives firefighters more options when trying to put out blazes in different types of environments across the country.
- To make sure these planes are used correctly, the law says they can only be used for wildfire fighting services. Companies cannot buy these discounted military planes and then use them for other private business or cargo transport.
- This program is being extended for ten years, lasting until October 1, 2035. This long-term plan helps firefighting companies invest in their fleets, knowing they will have a steady supply of parts and planes to keep their operations running.
Impact Analysis
Govbase has not yet run an impact analysis on this legislation.
Milestones
Became Public Law No: 119-18.
The President signed it. This is now the law of the land.
Signed by President.
The President signed it. This is now the law of the land.
Presented to President.
Both chambers passed identical text. The President has 10 days to sign it into law or veto it.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H2390)
The House fast-tracked this bill — limited debate, no amendments allowed, but needs two-thirds support to pass.
Votes
No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.
News
No related news coverage found for this legislation yet.
Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act of 2025
Data Sources
Sponsor
Cosponsors
(8)Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.