Josh Harder (D-CA)
Ensuring Casualty Assistance for our Firefighters Act
A Democratic bill with 2 Republican cosponsors · See all 3 cosponsors
Last activity — Ordered to be Reported by Unanimous Consent.
Introduced, nothing more yet
Formally proposed, and not yet handed to a committee.
Nearly every bill is sent to a committee within days. Introduction alone is not a sign of support, of momentum, or of any likelihood of passing — any member may introduce any bill.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
What this bill would do
This bill, titled the "Ensuring Casualty Assistance for our Firefighters Act," directs the Secretary of the Interior to create a Wildland Fire Management Casualty Assistance Program. The program is designed to help the next-of-kin of firefighters and wildland fire support personnel who suffer illness, critical injury, or death while in the line of duty. It includes specific provisions for notifying families, reimbursing travel expenses, and providing case management. The program also aims to provide personalized information regarding federal benefits through a website. Additionally, it establishes liaison roles with other government agencies to resolve benefit issues.
Yes· 3 of 6
- Scored +4
Does this strengthen Social Security?
The bill establishes liaisons with the Social Security Administration to ensure prompt and accurate resolution of benefits for survivors.
- Scored +3
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?
The bill requires the creation of a website to provide personalized, integrated information on federal benefits to survivors.
- Scored +3
Does this increase the pay, pensions or support veterans receive?
While focused on firefighters, the bill establishes a model for casualty assistance and benefit resolution that mirrors veteran support services.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Financial and Information Support for Families: The program provides reimbursement for travel expenses for next-of-kin visiting injured or deceased personnel, and provides personalized information on federal benefits via a website at no cost (Section 2(b)(2) and 2(b)(6)).
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Communication and Support Services: The program includes provisions for initial and subsequent notifications to families, as well as centralized case management that offers rapid access to expert case managers and counselors (Section 2(b)(1) and 2(b)(5)).
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Improved Benefit Resolution: Through liaisons with the Department of the Interior, the Department of Justice, and the Social Security Administration, the program aims to ensure that benefit issues are resolved promptly and accurately (Section 2(b)(8)).
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Accountability and Feedback: The program includes mechanisms for survivors and next-of-kin to register complaints or request additional assistance, ensuring there is a way to voice concerns (Section 2(b)(7)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No specific negative impacts or burdens are explicitly stated in the provided text.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this strengthen Social Security? — The bill establishes liaisons with the Social Security Administration to ensure prompt and accurate resolution of benefits for survivors. Is this likely to lift people out of poverty? — The program provides financial assistance through travel expense reimbursements and information on federal benefits to families of deceased or injured personnel.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would children be better off under this? — The bill specifically includes children of deceased or injured personnel as a priority category for next-of-kin support. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — The reimbursement of travel expenses provides direct financial relief to families facing sudden crises.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill requires the creation of a website to provide personalized, integrated information on federal benefits to survivors.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this increase the pay, pensions or support veterans receive? — While focused on firefighters, the bill establishes a model for casualty assistance and benefit resolution that mirrors veteran support services.
- 2/11/2026
- Subcommittee on Federal Lands Discharged
- Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Ordered to be Reported by Unanimous Consent.
- 12/2/2025
- Subcommittee Hearings Held
- 11/25/2025
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Federal Lands.
- 11/20/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 8/5/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 7/23/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
4 bills Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Ami BeraDemocrat · California
Brian FitzpatrickRepublican · Pennsylvania
Scott FranklinRepublican · Florida