01 — The Text
What.
- Allows Department of Defense to sell excess aircraft and parts to wildfire suppression operations from Oct. 1, 2025 through Oct. 1, 2035.
- Expands aircraft use to deliver water directly onto fires, not just fire retardant as previously allowed.
- Removes restrictions on using purchased aircraft for international wildfire suppression assistance.
02 — The Stakes
So what?
- Wildfire agencies gain access to military surplus planes that might otherwise be scrapped, potentially lowering equipment costs.
- Firefighting operations get more flexible tools—water-dropping capability complements existing retardant delivery in active suppression.
- Opens international cooperation on wildfire response, useful as cross-border fires become more common in western regions.
03 — The Path
Now what?
- Bill introduced Feb. 4; currently in three House committees (Oversight, Armed Services, Agriculture) with no timeline set. Subcommittee on Forestry added in March.
- Next step: committees must negotiate jurisdiction and produce a version both can support before floor vote.
- Track progress at Congress.gov or contact your House representative to signal support or concern.
Legislative History
Actions.
- Mar 7, 2025 — Referred to the Subcommittee on Forestry and Horticulture.
- Feb 4, 2025 — Referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and in addition to the Committees on Armed Services, and Agriculture, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Feb 4, 2025 — Referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and in addition to the Committees on Armed Services, and Agriculture, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Feb 4, 2025 — Referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and in addition to the Committees on Armed Services, and Agriculture, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Feb 4, 2025 — Introduced in House
- Feb 4, 2025 — Introduced in House