Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act of 2025

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (S. 160) 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.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on this measure.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I am happy to support S. 160, the Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act.

This bill will amend the Wildfire Suppression Aircraft Transfer Act of 1996 to allow the Department of Defense to, once again, sell excess aircraft and aircraft parts for wildfire suppression.

This will help facilitate the acquisition of excess military aircraft for the aerial wildfire suppression fleet.

This lifesaving authority protects our aerial firefighters and brings in revenue from military aircraft that are not needed. In fact, the Congressional Budget Office anticipates this legislation will reduce government spending.

Our brave first responders work tirelessly on the front lines, fighting wildfires that continue to get more dangerous every year.

This bipartisan, commonsense bill gives these brave men and women access to more equipment that is critical in an emergency.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Senators Tim Sheehy and Martin Heinrich for introducing this important legislation which passed the Senate unanimously in April.

I also thank Representative Dan Newhouse for introducing the House companion bill and leading the charge in this Chamber. I encourage my colleagues to once again support S. 160.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this important legislation, which will protect our brave aerial firefighters across the country.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of S. 160, the Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act.

This bill amends the Wildfire Suppression Aircraft Transfer Act of 1996 to reauthorize the sale of aircraft and parts by the Defense Department for wildfire suppression for 10 years.

This bill reauthorizes the Secretary of Defense to sell excess Department of Defense aircraft and aircraft parts, which are acceptable for commercial sale to persons or entities that contract with the government for the delivery of fire retardants or water by air to suppress wildfires. The aircraft and parts could only be used for fire suppression.

This bill will help the U.S. suppress wildfires and recognizes the unfortunate reality that fire season is now year-round and additional resources, including aircraft, are required to effectively suppress catastrophic wildfires.

S. 160 is a bipartisan, commonsense bill that will help the United States maintain a robust fleet of wildfire suppression aircraft. I urge all of my colleagues to support this bill, the Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Armed Services Committee be discharged from further consideration of S. 160, and the Senate proceed to its immediate consideration.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Sheehy amendment at the desk be considered and agreed to; that the bill, as amended, be considered read a third time and passed; and that the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table.