Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act of 2025
Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act of 2025
Plain Language Summary
# Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act of 2025 - Plain Language Summary **What the Bill Does** This law allows the U.S. Department of Defense to sell surplus military aircraft and aircraft parts to companies that fight wildfires. The authority to do this runs from October 2025 through October 2035. The bill expands how these aircraft can be used by allowing them to drop water on fires (in addition to fire retardant that was already permitted).
It also removes restrictions that previously prevented these aircraft from being used to help fight wildfires in other countries. **Who It Affects** The law affects wildfire suppression companies and agencies that battle large fires across the U.S. and internationally. It also impacts the Department of Defense by allowing them to sell equipment they no longer need. Ultimately, the changes are intended to benefit communities threatened by wildfires by making more aircraft available for firefighting efforts. **Current Status** This bill has been signed into law and is now in effect.
CRS Official Summary
Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act of 2025This bill 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 October 1, 2025, and ends October 1, 2035.The bill 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 bill removes the previous limitation on providing international wildfire suppression assistance with such purchased aircraft.
Latest Action
Became Public Law No: 119-18.