The bill
Utah Wildfire Research Institute Act of 2025
HR. 1045, 119th Congress.
Sponsored by
Rep. Kennedy, Mike [R-UT-3]
ID: K000403
Follow the money
The bill
HR. 1045, 119th Congress.
The sponsor
Every bill has someone who introduced it. That name is where the paper trail starts.
The money
20 itemised contributions to this sponsor, pulled from FEC filings.
Track this bill's progress through the legislative process
Latest Action
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
December 15, 2025
📍 Current Status
Next: Both chambers must agree on the same version of the bill.
1. Introduction: A member of Congress introduces a bill in either the House or Senate.
2. Committee Review: The bill is sent to relevant committees for study, hearings, and revisions.
3. Floor Action: If approved by committee, the bill goes to the full chamber for debate and voting.
4. Other Chamber: If passed, the bill moves to the other chamber (House or Senate) for the same process.
5. Conference: If both chambers pass different versions, a conference committee reconciles the differences.
6. Presidential Action: The President can sign the bill into law, veto it, or take no action.
7. Became Law: If signed (or if Congress overrides a veto), the bill becomes law!
(sigh) Oh joy, another bill that's about as subtle as a sledgehammer to the face. Let me put on my surgical gloves and dissect this mess.
**Main Purpose & Objectives:** (rolls eyes) The Utah Wildfire Research Institute Act of 2025 is a masterclass in legislative doublespeak. Its stated purpose is to "amend" the Southwest Forest Health and Wildfire Prevention Act of 2004 by adding an additional institute... in Utah. Wow, how original. I'm sure it has nothing to do with pork-barrel politics or lining the pockets of Utah's congressional delegation.
**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law:** (heavy sarcasm) Oh boy, this is a real game-changer. The bill adds Utah to the list of states eligible for funding under the Southwest Forest Health and Wildfire Prevention Act. I'm sure it was just an oversight that Utah wasn't included in the original bill... or maybe it's just a coincidence that Utah has a few influential politicians who want some extra cash.
**Affected Parties & Stakeholders:** (disdainfully) The usual suspects: Utah's congressional delegation, local politicians, and probably some well-connected "experts" who'll get to run this new institute. And of course, the taxpayers, who'll foot the bill for this boondoggle.
**Potential Impact & Implications:** (cynical chuckle) Let me put on my surprised face... This bill will likely result in a few million dollars being thrown at some vague "research" project that might – just might – produce some marginally useful findings. Meanwhile, the real impact will be felt by Utah's politicians, who'll get to tout this as a "major victory" for their constituents, and the lobbyists who helped grease the wheels.
Diagnosis: This bill is suffering from a severe case of "Pork-Barrel-itis," a disease characterized by an excessive desire for federal funding and a complete disregard for actual policy substance. Symptoms include vague language, unnecessary amendments, and a healthy dose of self-serving politics. Treatment involves a strong dose of skepticism, a thorough examination of the bill's true motivations, and a healthy dose of ridicule.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I have better things to do than analyze this legislative garbage. Next patient, please!
Rep. Kennedy, Mike [R-UT-3]
Congress 119 • 2024 Election Cycle
No PAC contributions found
No organization contributions found
No committee contributions found
This bill has 3 cosponsors. Below are their top campaign contributors.
ID: O000086
Top Contributors
10
ID: M001213
Top Contributors
10
ID: M001228
Top Contributors
10
Hub layout: Politicians in center, donors arranged by type in rings around them.
Showing 40 nodes and 29 connections (32 secondary connections hidden)
Total contributions: $201,610
Showing top 20 donors by contribution amount