U.S. Senator Tim Sheehy’s bipartisan Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act is on its way to President Donald J. Trump’s desk after clearing the House of Representatives today. The legislation, introduced by Sheehy alongside Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) in January, aims to strengthen the nation’s wildfire suppression capabilities amid an increasingly dangerous wildfire season. The bill unanimously passed the Senate in April.
“This year marks the most dangerous and costly wildfire season in history,” said Senator Sheehy. “The Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act will equip wildland firefighters with the tools needed to protect communities and save lives. Removing bureaucratic hurdles to enable faster, more aggressive firefighting is just common sense. I thank my colleagues for their support and look forward to this bipartisan bill becoming law to support our brave first responders.”
Senator Heinrich echoed the urgency, stating, “I’m pleased the bill passed both chambers and urge the president to sign it immediately. Expanding the operations of Very Large Air Tankers is crucial to supporting firefighters battling wildfires across New Mexico and the West. I will continue to fight for the resources our communities need.”
The House version of the bill is led by Representatives Newhouse (R-Wash.), Carbajal (D-Calif.), and Zinke (R-Mont.).
Senator Sheehy is notably the only first-year senator to have passed legislation through both chambers in the current 119th Congress.
Joel Kerley, President and CEO of 10 Tanker Air Carrier, praised the bipartisan effort: “This commonsense approach ensures our aging aerial firefighting fleet remains operational by allowing purchase of retired military spare parts at fair market value. It safeguards a vital national security mission.”
By: DNU staff