Bill seeks faster federal repayment for local fire departments
In markupH.R. 345Latest action
Sponsor: Josh Harder · Representative · CA
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Official title: Fire Department Repayment Act of 2025
119th Congress
Topics: Environment & energy
Introduced:
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The bill would standardize and speed up federal reimbursement of local fire departments that fight fires on federal land.
35-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
The Fire Department Repayment Act of 2025 directs four federal Secretaries to create standardized rules for reimbursing local fire departments that assist on federal land fires. Within one year, agencies must review and update existing cost-sharing agreements to match the new procedures, and payments should be made promptly after a proper invoice is submitted.
Who does it affect?
Local and rural fire departments that help fight wildfires on federal land, and the Departments of Agriculture, Interior, Homeland Security, and Defense.
Why does it matter?
Inconsistent and slow reimbursement across agencies has created financial strain for local departments, particularly smaller ones with tight budgets, when responding to fires on federal land.
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Where does it stand?
- IntroducedJan 13, 2025
- House committeeYou are here · Jul 23, 2025
- House vote
- Senate
- The president's desk
Right now: a House committee is reviewing it. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Unanimous Consent.