Senators Sheehy (R-MT) and Heinrich (D-NM) have introduced the Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act of 2025, a bipartisan bill aimed at strengthening the U.S. wildfire suppression capabilities. The legislation amends the Wildfire Suppression Aircraft Transfer Act of 1996 to reauthorize the sale of excess Department of Defense (DoD) aircraft and parts for wildfire suppression.
Recognizing the year-round threat of wildfires, the bill enables the sale of retired military aircraft at fair market value to contractors who specialize in aerial firefighting. It also facilitates the sale of aircraft parts to maintain the current firefighting fleet. The legislation includes technical updates and extends the authority for these transactions for an additional 10 years.
Previously, this authority expired in 2005 and was briefly reinstated from 2012 to 2017. The reauthorization aims to ensure the U.S. has access to vital resources for combating catastrophic wildfires.
The United Aerial Firefighters Association has endorsed the bill, emphasizing its importance in addressing growing wildfire challenges.
For more information, contact Kristin Sleeper (Sheehy’s office) at kristin_sleeper@sheeyhy.senate.gov or Oliver Riquelme (Heinrich’s office) at oliver_riquelme@heinrich.senate.gov
