The office of U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich has reported that the Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act of 2025 has passed both chambers of Congress and is now awaiting presidential signature.
According to a statement from the office of Senator Heinrich, the bill is designed to strengthen the aerial wildfire suppression fleet by reauthorizing the sale of Department of Defense aircraft and aircraft parts for use in wildfire suppression.
The legislation, which passed the U.S. Senate in April and the U.S. House of Representatives this week, is co-led by Senator Heinrich and Representative Gabe Vasquez, alongside a bipartisan group of lawmakers from Western states.
The bill amends the Wildfire Suppression Aircraft Transfer Act of 1996.
According to the statement, it reauthorizes the Secretary of Defense to sell excess military aircraft and aircraft parts to private contractors engaged in aerial wildfire suppression, provided the equipment is used solely for firefighting purposes.
The original authority expired in 2005 and was previously reinstated between 2012 and 2017.
The current bill aims to improve year-round wildfire suppression by making it easier for operators to acquire and maintain aerial firefighting equipment.
Senator Heinrich said: “I’m pleased that my Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act passed both chambers of Congress and is headed to the White House to be signed into law.”
He added: “I urge the president to immediately sign the Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act, which is urgently needed to expand the operations of Very Large Air Tankers that have proven absolutely essential to firefighters battling large wildfires in New Mexico and across the West.”
Representative Gabe Vasquez said: “In the West — and especially in New Mexico — wildfire season never really ends.
“Getting this bill through the House is a big step toward making sure our communities have the tools they need to stay safe.
“This legislation strengthens our aerial firefighting fleet and supports critical partners like Albuquerque’s 10 Tanker.
“I look forward to President Trump signing my bipartisan bill into law.”
Senator Ben Ray Luján said: “Wildfires have ravaged New Mexico and Western states in recent years, making the need to boost wildfire suppression more urgent than ever.”
Joel Kerley, President and CEO of 10 Tanker Air Carrier, said: “10 Tanker Air Carrier supports and thanks the bipartisan efforts of Sen. Heinrich and Sen. Sheehy to help the many operators involved with aerial firefighting to purchase at fair market value excess, retired military spare parts, particularly desperately needed engines and brakes.
“This commonsense approach will ensure that our aging fleet will remain available to the United States to battle the devastating wildland fires of today and well into the future.
“We are pleased that the Department of Defense and the Air Force also support the national security mission of companies like ours.”
Bart Brainerd, CEO of Firehawk Helicopters, said: “Firehawk Helicopters is encouraged by the passing of the Aerial Firefighting and Enhancement Act and would like to thank Rep. Newhouse, Rep. Carbajal, Sen. Tim Sheehy and Sen. Martin Heinrich for leading the efforts in seeing this bill passed.
“Since 2007 the aerial firefighting community has lost access to a critical aircraft and parts supply source.
“Taxpayers have lost hundreds of millions of dollars as valuable aircraft and aircraft parts were no longer made available for commercial sale.
“The law will save these critical aircraft and parts from being scrapped.
“By making these aircraft and parts available for commercial sale again, the taxpayers will reap the maximum return on their original investment, but more importantly, see these aircraft and parts utilized in a second life that prioritizes the protection of the public from the growing threat of devastating wildfires.”
The bill now requires the signature of the President before becoming law.
According to the statement from Senator Heinrich’s office, the legislation has bipartisan backing and addresses the increased threat of wildfires across multiple U.S. states.
Senator Tim Sheehy said: “This year is the most dangerous and expensive wildfire year in history, and the Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act will give wildland firefighters the tools they need to protect communities and save lives.”
Senator Mark Kelly added: “Strengthening our aerial firefighting fleet by making more aircraft and parts available is a smart, proven way to help firefighters respond faster and keep communities safe.”
Senator Alex Padilla said: “Californians saw firsthand the power of our aerial wildfire suppression fleet in putting out the Los Angeles fires as quickly as possible.
“Shoring up aerial firefighting fleets by allowing the Defense Department to sell excess aircraft parts is a lifesaving, commonsense priority.”
The office of U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich reported that the Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act of 2025 has passed both chambers of Congress.
The legislation is now awaiting signature by the President to become law.
The bill is co-led by Senator Heinrich and Representative Gabe Vasquez.
It aims to strengthen the U.S. aerial wildfire suppression fleet.
The bill reauthorizes the sale of excess Department of Defense aircraft and parts for wildfire suppression.
The authority had previously expired and was reauthorized between 2012 and 2017.
Operators will be able to acquire excess aircraft and parts at fair market value.
These resources will be used exclusively for aerial firefighting efforts.
The bill is supported by a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers.
Industry groups such as 10 Tanker Air Carrier and Firehawk Helicopters have welcomed the bill.
Stakeholders say the law will help maintain existing fleets and improve suppression capacity.
Senator Heinrich also announced the continued operation of Interagency Dispatch Centers in New Mexico.
