Tim Sheehy (R-MT)· Apr 8, 2025
S.Amdt. 2223: To modify the period for exercise of authority for the sale by the Department of Defense of aircraft and parts for wildfire suppression purposes.
Adopted
With no one objecting, no names recorded
Tim Sheehy (R-MT)
Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act of 2025
S. 160 · Senate bill Armed Forces and National Security
A Republican bill with 5 Democratic cosponsors · See all 8 cosponsors
Last activity — Became Public Law No: 119-18.
Became law
Passed both chambers and was signed by the President, or became law without a signature.
Nothing more in Congress: it is law. When it takes effect depends on the dates written into it — some parts start at once, others a year or more later.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- Passed Senate unanimous consent
- Passed House voice vote
- To President
- Became Law
No one's position on it was recorded: the Senate by unanimous consent (no one objected, so there was no vote), and the House by voice vote (members called out yes or no together).
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act of 2025," amends the Wildfire Suppression Aircraft Transfer Act of 1996. It serves to reauthorize the sale of aircraft and parts from the Department of Defense for wildfire suppression. The amendment specifically adds "water" to the list of items alongside fire retardant. It also updates the rules regarding how sold aircraft may be used. Finally, it sets a new expiration date for this authority.
Yes· 3 of 4
- Scored +5
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?
The bill enhances firefighting capabilities by expanding the types of materials aircraft can drop to aid in wildfire suppression.
- Scored +5
Would people in rural areas be better off under this?
Enhanced firefighting capabilities benefit rural residents who are more susceptible to wildfire risks.
- Scored +4
Does this improve help for people hit by a disaster?
By expanding aircraft transfer capabilities for water and retardant, the bill strengthens preparedness for wildfire disasters.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Expanded resources for wildfire suppression: The bill adds "water" to the list of materials that can be used alongside fire retardant, which could assist in firefighting efforts (Section 2, subsections (a)(1) and (c)).
-
Extended authority for aircraft transfers: The amendment establishes a period for exercising this authority that lasts from the date of enactment until October 1, 2035 (Section 2, subsection (g)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Restricted use of sold aircraft: The bill mandates that aircraft sold under this authority may be used only for the provision of aircraft services for wildfire suppression purposes (Section 2, subsection (b)).
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.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this better protect air, water and wildlife? — The bill enhances firefighting capabilities by expanding the types of materials aircraft can drop to aid in wildfire suppression. Does this improve help for people hit by a disaster? — By expanding aircraft transfer capabilities for water and retardant, the bill strengthens preparedness for wildfire disasters. Does this better protect public land such as parks and forests? — Enhanced aircraft resources can assist in protecting public lands from the impact of wildfires.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would people in rural areas be better off under this? — Enhanced firefighting capabilities benefit rural residents who are more susceptible to wildfire risks.
- Public Law (6/13/2025)
The text as it became law
- Enrolled Bill
The final version, on its way to the President
- 6/12/2025
- Signed by President.
- Became Public Law No: 119-18.
- 6/10/2025
- Presented to President.
- 6/3/2025
- Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H2390)
- On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H2390)
- DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 160.
- Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H2390)
- Mr. Comer moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
- 4/9/2025
- Message on Senate action sent to the House.
- Held at the desk.
- Received in the House.
- 4/8/2025
- Senate Committee on Armed Services discharged by Unanimous Consent.
- Measure laid before Senate by unanimous consent. (consideration: CR S2480)
- Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent.
- Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent. (text: CR S2480)
- 4/2/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 4/1/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 3/6/2025
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 2/19/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 2/3/2025
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 1/21/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
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Ben LujánDemocrat · New Mexico
Markwayne MullinRepublican · Oklahoma
Alex PadillaDemocrat · California
James RischRepublican · Idaho
Raphael WarnockDemocrat · Georgia