Bills · S 160
BECAME LAW· 119TH CONGRESS
Senate BillS 160Aviation and airportsForests, forestry, trees
Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act of 2025
INTRO JAN 21· LAST ACTION JUN 12
PASSAGE CHANCES
BECAME LAW
READING
2MIN
COSPONSORS
8BIPARTISAN
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 8 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed Senate
Passed House
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill matters because wildfires are an increasing threat across many parts of the United States, growing in frequency, size, and intensity. Aerial support, like air tankers dropping retardant or water, is a critical tool for quickly containing fires and protecting communities.
If this bill doesn't become law, the program that allows firefighting organizations to acquire surplus military aircraft would likely expire or become less effective. This could lead to a shortage of available air tankers or higher costs for acquiring and maintaining these essential assets. By extending this program until 2035, the bill ensures that wildfire fighters have a consistent and affordable way to acquire the aircraft they need to combat fires, which is vital for protecting lives, property, and the environment.
KEY PROVISIONS
4AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Reauthorizes the Department of Defense to sell its surplus aircraft and parts specifically for wildfire suppression.
Ensures that federal, state, and local firefighting agencies can continue to acquire cost-effective aircraft to combat wildfires.
PROVISION 02
Extends the deadline for this sales authority from the date of enactment until October 1, 2035.
Provides long-term stability and predictability for aerial firefighting organizations to plan their fleet acquisitions and maintenance.
PROVISION 03
Clarifies that aircraft sold under this program can be used to dispense both fire retardant and water.
Broadens the official scope of use to accurately reflect common aerial firefighting techniques.
PROVISION 04
Strictly limits the use of aircraft sold through this program to only providing services for wildfire suppression.
Prevents these federally subsidized aircraft from being used for unrelated or unauthorized purposes.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 8
R· Montana
YRS IN OFFICE
1
BILLS LED
75
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 75%
DEM 5 REP 3 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
18 EVENTSJUN 12
Signed by President.
JUN 12
Became Public Law No: 119-18.
JUN 10
Presented to President.
JUN 3
Mr. Comer moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
BILL INFO
TypeSenate Bill
NumberS 160
Congress119th
StatusBecame Law
IntroducedJan 21, 2025
Last actionJun 12, 2025
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BECAME LAW· 119TH CONGRESS · ARMED SERVICES COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED JAN 21, 2025
Senate BillS 160Aviation and airportsForests, forestry, trees
Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act of 2025
INTRODUCED JAN 21, 2025· LAST ACTION JUN 12, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
BECAME LAW
READING
2 min
COSPONSORS
8
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
