S. 160 Became law · Public Law 119-18 Armed Forces and National Security

Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act of 2025

A bill to amend the Wildfire Suppression Aircraft Transfer Act of 1996 to reauthorize the sale by the Department of Defense of aircraft and parts for wildfire suppression purposes, and for other purposes.

  1. Introduced
  2. Committee
  3. Passed Senate
  4. Passed House
  5. To President
  6. Became law
Sponsor Sen. Sheehy, Tim [R-MT] Introduced January 21, 2025 Cosponsors 8 (5 D, 3 R) Latest action June 12, 2025

Summary

Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act of 2025
This act reauthorizes the Department of Defense to sell its excess aircraft and aircraft parts that are acceptable for commercial sale for wildfire suppression purposes. Such authority begins June 12, 2025, and ends October 1, 2035.
The act also provides that such aircraft may be used to deliver water by air in order to suppress wildfire (the previous authority only provided for the delivery of fire retardant).
The act removes the previous limitation on providing international wildfire suppression assistance with such purchased aircraft.

Summary by the Congressional Research Service, Library of Congress.

Congress.gov

Actions

  1. Jun 12, 2025 Became Public Law No: 119-18.
  2. Jun 12, 2025 Signed by President.
  3. Jun 10, 2025 Presented to President.
  4. Jun 3, 2025 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
  5. Jun 3, 2025 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H2390)
  6. Jun 3, 2025 DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 160.
  7. Jun 3, 2025 Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H2390)
  8. Jun 3, 2025 Mr. Comer moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
  9. Apr 9, 2025 Held at the desk.
  10. Apr 9, 2025 Received in the House.
  11. Apr 9, 2025 Message on Senate action sent to the House.
  12. Apr 8, 2025 Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent. (text: CR S2480)

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