Washington, D.C. – Congressman Jake Ellzey announced his support for the Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act of 2025, a bipartisan effort to improve the nation's aerial firefighting capabilities by reauthorizing the Department of Defense (DoD) to transfer excess military aircraft and parts to private contractors.

This legislation reinstates an authority, ensuring continued access to surplus military aircraft that can be repurposed for aerial firefighting operations. Originally established under the Wildfire Suppression Aircraft Transfer Act of 1996, this program has historically helped expand and modernize America's aerial firefighting fleet. However, with the authority lapsing in 2017, firefighting operations nationwide have faced unnecessary delays and inefficiencies.

"The Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act restores a proven solution that allows us to use existing resources more effectively," said Rep. Ellzey. "Instead of letting surplus aircraft sit unused, this bill ensures they are put to work protecting communities and responding swiftly to wildfires across the country. It's a practical step to improve efficiency, support our firefighting crews, and make sure taxpayer-funded assets are used wisely."

“As wildfires continue to ravage our communities every year, this bipartisan legislation delivers major new assets to our fire suppression fleets for year-round management efforts,” said Rep. Newhouse.

Newhouse adds, “Our firefighters need all the help they can get, and allowing the sale of the Department of Defense’s excess aircraft responsibly leverages the assets we have for public safety and fire management. I thank Reps. Ellzey, Carbajal, and Vasquez for joining me in this effort.” 

Under this legislation, the DoD can sell excess aircraft and parts to private aerial firefighting companies at fair market value. By re-establishing this transfer authority for the next ten years, the bill strengthens the country's ability to quickly and effectively respond to fires, reducing strain on emergency response teams and ensuring they have the necessary tools to get the job done.