The Senate passed a bipartisan bill Tuesday that would help expand the fleet of aircraft to fight the growing threat of wildfires.
The “Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act,” S. 160, which passed by unanimous consent, would reauthorize until 2035 a program that allows the Defense Department to sell excess aircraft and parts to fight wildfires.
The bill is sponsored by Sen. Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.), who founded an aerial firefighting company, and co-sponsored by Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), ranking member of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee.
“It’s only April, and this year has already seen the most dangerous and expensive wildfire season in history,” Sheehy said in a statement applauding the bill’s passage. “It’s clear our government must do more to give wildland firefighters the tools they need to protect communities and save lives.”
