Fire Suppression and Response Funding Assurance Act
- Bill Number
- S. 133
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Emergency Management
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-01-16: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
- Last Updated
- 2025-12-11T22:41:08Z
AI-Generated Summary
Fire Suppression and Response Funding Assurance Act (S. 133)
Purpose
This legislation aims to strengthen federal support for wildfire management by guaranteeing a minimum level of federal funding for fire suppression costs, establishing guidelines for potentially increasing that funding, and expanding eligible expenses to include preemptive preparations by local governments. It seeks to provide more reliable financial assistance during wildfire emergencies, reducing the burden on state and local resources.
Key Provisions
- Minimum Federal Cost Share: Amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (commonly called the Stafford Act) to require that the federal government covers at least 75% of eligible costs for fire management assistance grants. This applies only to funds appropriated on or after the bill's enactment.
- Rulemaking for Increased Funding: Directs the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator, on behalf of the President, to complete a rulemaking process within three years. This will define criteria for when the Administrator can recommend raising the federal cost share above 75% for fire management assistance.
- Policy Update for Predeployment Costs: Requires FEMA to revise its grant policies under the Stafford Act to allow reimbursement for the predeployment (advance positioning) of domestic resources, such as equipment and personnel, by state, local, and Tribal governments. This aligns the policy with reimbursements available under major disaster or emergency declarations.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Guaranteed Federal Share: Under current law (Section 420 of the Stafford Act), the President can determine the federal cost share for fire management assistance, which has typically been 75% but could vary. This bill establishes a firm minimum of 75%, preventing any reduction below that level for future appropriations.
- Expansion of Eligible Expenses: Previously, fire management grants did not explicitly cover predeployment costs in the same way as major disaster declarations. The policy update makes these proactive measures reimbursable, broadening access to federal funds.
- Future-Oriented Application: Changes do not retroactively affect prior appropriations, ensuring a phased implementation.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: FEMA will face increased administrative responsibilities, including rulemaking and policy revisions, potentially leading to higher federal expenditures on wildfire response. This could strain budgets but improve coordination with state and local partners.
- On Citizens: Residents in wildfire-prone areas may benefit from faster and more effective fire suppression due to better-funded state and local efforts, potentially reducing property damage, evacuations, and health risks from smoke.
- On International Relations: No direct impacts, as the bill focuses on domestic fire management assistance without addressing cross-border issues.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Federal Agencies: Primarily FEMA (under the Department of Homeland Security), which administers the grants and must implement the required changes.
- State, Local, and Tribal Governments: These entities will gain from the higher guaranteed federal share and reimbursable predeployment costs, easing their financial and logistical burdens during wildfires.
- Firefighters and Emergency Responders: Benefit indirectly through more resources for prevention and response.
- Citizens in Wildfire-Prone Regions: Such as those in Western states, who may see improved protection and recovery support.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal Implications: Reinforces the Stafford Act's framework for disaster relief by setting a statutory floor on federal contributions, which could limit executive discretion in cost-sharing decisions. The rulemaking requirement ensures transparency and public input in future adjustments.
- Constitutional Implications: Aligns with Congress's spending power under Article I, Section 8, by directing federal funds toward disaster aid without raising federalism concerns, as it enhances partnerships with states.
- Political Implications: May increase federal disaster spending, appealing to lawmakers from fire-affected regions, but could spark debates over budget priorities amid rising wildfire frequency due to climate change. No overt partisan divides are evident in the bill's bipartisan sponsorship.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (5)
Sen. Sullivan, Dan [R-AK], Sen. Sheehy, Tim [R-MT], Sen. Schiff, Adam B. [D-CA], Sen. Heinrich, Martin [D-NM], Sen. Rosen, Jacky [D-NV]
Recent Actions
- 2025-01-16: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
- 2025-01-16: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Fire Suppression and Response Funding Assurance Act — issued 2025-01-16 — PDF (3 pages)