Legislation aimed at improving the nation’s aerial wildfire suppression fleet has passed both chambers of Congress and is now awaiting the President’s signature.
The Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act of 2025, championed by U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.), seeks to improve the ability to combat the year-round threat of wildfires.
“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,” Heinrich said. “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. I will never stop fighting to deliver the resources that our communities need to effectively respond to wildfires.”
The bill, which passed the U.S. House of Representatives, passed the U.S. Senate in April. The legislation amends the Wildfire Suppression Aircraft Transfer Act of 1996, reauthorizing the sale of excess aircraft and parts by the Department of Defense for wildfire suppression. This aims to facilitate the acquisition of military surplus aircraft and ensure the maintenance of existing aerial firefighting fleets.
“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,” Vasquez said. “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.”
The legislation is co-sponsored by several other members of Congress from both parties, including U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and U.S. Representative Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.). Supporters said the bill will provide essential resources to firefighters and help protect communities from the increasing threat of wildfires.
“Deeply proud to help get this bipartisan, bicameral bill to help address wildfires across the finish line in Congress,” Stansbury said. “New Mexico is on the frontlines and we are working every day to ensure our firefighters and first responders have the resources they need.”
The passage of the bill follows Heinrich’s announcement regarding the continued operation of Interagency Dispatch Centers in Albuquerque and Silver City, which are crucial for deploying resources during emergencies.
Industry leaders also expressed support for the legislation, citing its potential to ensure the availability of necessary aircraft and parts for aerial firefighting operations.
“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,” said Joel Kerley, President and CEO of 10 Tanker Air Carrier. “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.”
Thank you both for your continuous work in behalf of New Mexico.