Montana Senator’s Wildfire Reform Bill Advances to Trump’s Desk
In a notable bipartisan achievement, a wildfire reform bill spearheaded by Montana freshman Senator Tim Sheehy has passed the House of Representatives and is now headed to President Trump for potential signing into law. The Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act seeks to streamline the acquisition of military aircraft for aerial firefighting, reauthorizing companies to purchase military planes and parts from the Department of Defense.
Senator Sheehy expressed optimism about the bill, emphasizing its significance for first responders combating wildfires nationwide. Notably, the legislation revives a program dating back to 1996, allowing the Department of Defense to sell surplus military aircraft to government contractors engaged in firefighting. This comes in response to escalating wildfire challenges, with recent blazes, such as a January fire in Los Angeles that devastated over 11,500 acres, drawing attention to the need for enhanced firefighting resources.
Industry leaders, including Bridger Aerospace, co-founded by Sheehy, have voiced their support, although they clarified that their operation doesn’t directly benefit from the bill. Amid concerns regarding potential conflicts of interest, Sheehy has placed his Bridger stock in blind trusts to ensure transparency. His commitment to wildfire reform remains unwavering as he navigates his Senate responsibilities.
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