Bills · S 279
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
Senate BillS 279Cardiovascular and respiratory healthFirst responders and emergency personnel
Tim’s Act
INTRO JAN 28· LAST ACTION JAN 28
READING
35MIN
COSPONSORS
0
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
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- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed Senate
Passed House
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenVoters should care about this bill because it directly addresses the compensation of federal wildland firefighters, who play a critical role in protecting communities and natural resources from devastating wildfires. In recent years, wildfires have become more frequent and severe across the country, increasing the demand and danger for these frontline workers.
If this bill becomes law, it would provide a much-needed boost to their pay, potentially improving recruitment and retention of these essential personnel. This could lead to a more experienced and stable wildland firefighting workforce, which in turn could enhance the nation's ability to respond to and manage large-scale fire events, ultimately offering greater safety and security for communities living in fire-prone areas. If it doesn't become law, wildland firefighters would continue to face compensation challenges that many argue do not adequately reflect the risks and demands of their profession, potentially exacerbating staffing shortages and morale issues.
KEY PROVISIONS
4AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Establishes a new "special base rate" of pay for federal wildland firefighters, replacing their current General Schedule base rate.
This directly increases the foundational salary for these crucial workers, improving their overall compensation.
PROVISION 02
Increases the base pay of General Schedule wildland firefighters by percentages ranging from 1.5% to 42%, with larger increases for lower-paid grades.
It provides a significant and progressive pay bump, especially for entry-level and mid-career firefighters.
PROVISION 03
Ensures that wildland firefighters whose pay is set by local prevailing rates also receive wage increases consistent with those on the General Schedule.
This guarantees that all federal wildland firefighters, regardless of their specific pay system, benefit from the enhanced compensation.
PROVISION 04
Defines "Federal wildland firefighter" broadly to include temporary, seasonal, or permanent positions in the Departments of Agriculture and Interior, and Tribal firefighters, engaged in various fire management activities.
This clarifies who is eligible for the new pay and benefits, ensuring a wide range of essential personnel are covered.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 0
D· Colorado
YRS IN OFFICE
17
BILLS LED
80
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSJAN 28
Introduced in Senate
JAN 28
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
BILL INFO
TypeSenate Bill
NumberS 279
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedJan 28, 2025
Last actionJan 28, 2025
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · HOMELAND SECURITY AND GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED JAN 28, 2025
Senate BillS 279Cardiovascular and respiratory healthFirst responders and emergency personnel
Tim’s Act
INTRODUCED JAN 28, 2025· LAST ACTION JAN 28, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
35 min
COSPONSORS
0
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
