Senate passes aerial firefighting support act to expand suppression fleet
Iain Hoey
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Senate advances wildfire suppression act with bipartisan backing
The Office of Senator Mark Kelly has reported that the United States Senate has passed the Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act of 2025.
The bill is designed to improve wildfire suppression capabilities by increasing access to aircraft and parts for aerial firefighting.
The measure was introduced with support from Senators Mark Kelly, Martin Heinrich, Tim Sheehy and Alex Padilla.
It will now move to the House of Representatives for consideration.
The legislation amends existing laws to enable the Department of Defense to sell surplus aircraft and components at fair market value, specifically for use in wildfire response operations.
New law to expand U.S. aerial firefighting capabilities
According to the Office of Senator Mark Kelly, the bill reauthorises provisions of the Wildfire Suppression Aircraft Transfer Act of 1996.
It allows the Secretary of Defense to sell excess aircraft and related parts to government-contracted aerial firefighting service providers.
The parts and aircraft must be used exclusively for wildfire suppression.
The original authority lapsed in 2005 and was later reauthorised between 2012 and 2017 before expiring again.
If passed by the House, the new law would provide a renewed legal framework to support the year-round use of military surplus resources in civilian wildfire suppression.
The bill does not provide free transfers but mandates that the sales be conducted at fair market value.
Political support reflects rising wildfire risk
Senator Mark Kelly said: “In Arizona and across the West, wildfires are more frequent, more intense, and no longer confined to a single season.
“Strengthening our aerial firefighting fleet by making more aircraft and parts available is a smart, proven way to help firefighters respond faster and keep communities safe.
“I’m proud to support this effort to ensure the tools are in place to meet the growing threat, and I’ll keep working to get it done.”
Senator Martin Heinrich said: “I’m pleased that my Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act is one step close to becoming law.
“The Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act is urgently needed to expand the operations of Very Large Air Tankers that have proven absolutely essential to firefighters battling large wildfires in New Mexico and across the West.
“I will never stop fighting to deliver the resources that our communities need to effectively respond to wildfires.”
Lawmakers cite urgency of wildfire response improvements
Senator Tim Sheehy said: “It’s only April, and this year has already seen the most dangerous and expensive wildfire season in history.
“It’s clear our government must do more to give wildland firefighters the tools they need to protect communities and save lives.
“The Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act supports that mission by eliminating bureaucratic obstacles to provide our aerial wildfire suppression fleet the resources necessary to fight wildfires quickly and aggressively.
“I’m grateful to my colleagues for their support of this bipartisan legislation, and I will continue to use the full power of my office to support the brave first responders on the front lines fighting wildfires across the country.”
California experiences drive support for aircraft access
Senator Alex Padilla said: “As catastrophic wildfires devastate communities across the country, we need to be smarter and more resourceful in our approach to wildfire suppression.
“Californians saw firsthand the power of our aerial wildfire suppression fleet in putting out the Los Angeles fires as quickly as possible.
“Shoring up aerial firefighting fleets by allowing the Department of Defense to sell excess aircraft parts is a lifesaving, commonsense priority — and I’m glad to see the Senate come together to unanimously pass this bipartisan legislation.”
Senate passes aerial firefighting support act to expand suppression fleet: Summary
The Office of Senator Mark Kelly reported that the Senate passed the Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act of 2025.
The Act allows the sale of Department of Defense surplus aircraft and parts for use in aerial wildfire suppression.
The bill reauthorises a previous authority that expired in 2017.
The aircraft and parts must be sold at fair market value.
Sales are limited to contractors working with the federal government on aerial firefighting.
The Act aims to improve year-round response capabilities to wildfires in the U.S.
Senators Mark Kelly, Martin Heinrich, Tim Sheehy and Alex Padilla supported the legislation.
Senator Kelly said the measure reflects the increasing frequency and severity of wildfires.
Senator Heinrich said the Act is essential for operating Very Large Air Tankers.
Senator Sheehy said the current wildfire season is already among the worst in history.
Senator Padilla said the bill will support faster suppression responses across California.
The bill will proceed to the House of Representatives for further consideration.