Jeff Merkley (D-OR)
Honoring Fallen Wildland Firefighters Act of 2026
A Democratic bill with 1 Republican cosponsor · See the cosponsor
Last activity — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill is known as the Honoring Fallen Wildland Firefighters Act of 2026. It provides a lump sum death gratuity payment for federal wildland firefighters killed as a result of their duty. The bill outlines who qualifies as a covered wildland firefighter, including certain contractors. It details the authorized death gratuity amount and specifies the eligible survivors who can receive the payment. Additionally, the legislation provides rules for alternate designations of the gratuity and states that this payment is in addition to other compensation.
Yes
- Scored +5
Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together?
The bill establishes death gratuity payments for wildland firefighters, supporting those who serve in high-risk public safety roles.
- Scored +5
Does this increase the pay, pensions or support veterans receive?
The bill provides enhanced financial support and benefits for wildland firefighters and their families in the line of duty.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Death Gratuity Authorized: Section 2(b) establishes that the United States shall pay a lump sum death gratuity to survivors immediately upon receiving official notification of the death of a covered wildland firefighter who dies on or after January 1, 2026, from injuries incurred in the line of duty. This provides immediate financial support to families during a tragic time.
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Inclusion of Eligible Contractors: Section 2(a) defines covered wildland firefighters to include eligible contractors and subcontractors who perform direct fire suppression activities. This ensures that contract workers, not just direct government employees, are covered for these benefits.
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Additional Compensation: Section 2(d) clarifies that the death gratuity paid under this section is in addition to, and not in lieu of, any other compensation payable under section 8133. This ensures families do not lose other entitled benefits by receiving this gratuity.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- The provided text does not contain any specific sections or provisions outlining negative consequences, burdens, or negative impacts for individuals or groups of people in the United States.
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.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together? — The bill establishes death gratuity payments for wildland firefighters, supporting those who serve in high-risk public safety roles.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this increase the pay, pensions or support veterans receive? — The bill provides enhanced financial support and benefits for wildland firefighters and their families in the line of duty.
- 9/30/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
John CurtisRepublican · Utah