Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act of 2025

# Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act of 2025 - Summary **What the Bill Does** This bill would allow the Department of Defense to sell surplus military aircraft and aircraft parts to be used for fighting wildfires. Currently, this authority exists but expires soon; this bill would extend it for a 10-year period (October 2025 through October 2035). The bill also expands what these aircraft can do—they could now drop water on fires in addition to fire retardant, and the aircraft could be used to help suppress wildfires in other countries, not just the United States. **Who It Affects** The bill primarily affects wildfire suppression agencies and organizations that purchase firefighting aircraft.

It could benefit states and communities dealing with wildfires by providing access to additional aerial firefighting resources. The Defense Department would benefit by having an authorized way to dispose of excess military equipment rather than storing or scrapping it. **Current Status** The bill was introduced by Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) and is currently in committee, meaning it hasn't yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives.