S.902 - Wildfire Response and Preparedness Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
S.902, the Wildfire Response and Preparedness Act of 2025, aims to improve the federal government's response to wildfires. It mandates the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of the Interior to establish a standard response time for wildfire incidents on federal lands. The bill also requires a report to Congress detailing strategies for improving wildfire response, including a unified budget request and streamlining contracting mechanisms.
Expected Effects
The likely effect of this bill is a faster and more coordinated federal response to wildfires. This would involve quicker deployment of resources and improved management of federal firefighting assets. The Act also seeks to improve coordination between different federal agencies involved in wildfire management.
Potential Benefits
- Quicker response times to wildfires, potentially reducing the extent of damage.
- Improved coordination between federal agencies in wildfire management.
- More efficient allocation of resources for wildfire suppression.
- Enhanced safety for communities and firefighters.
- Better protection of natural resources and ecosystems.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential costs associated with increasing the size of the firefighting fleet and ensuring year-round availability.
- Possible challenges in meeting the 30-minute response time goal in all areas.
- Risk of unintended consequences from streamlining contracting mechanisms.
- Potential for increased federal oversight and control over state and local firefighting efforts.
- The report to congress may be delayed or not fully implemented.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Constitution's general welfare clause (Preamble). Congress has the power to legislate on matters affecting federal lands (Article IV, Section 3, Clause 2). The necessary and proper clause (Article I, Section 8, Clause 18) allows Congress to enact laws needed to execute its enumerated powers, such as managing federal lands and responding to emergencies like wildfires.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).