Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act of 2025

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Bill ID: 119/s/160

Last Updated: July 17, 2026

Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act of 2025

S. 160, 119th Congress — read as touching Defense Contractors.

The sponsor

Sen. Sheehy, Tim [R-MT]

Every bill has someone who introduced it. That name is where the paper trail starts.

The money

$157,251 raised

30 itemised contributions to this sponsor, pulled from FEC filings.

The alignment

55% match to Project 2025

This bill's text tracks the "Department of Defense" section, p. 146-148 of the Mandate for Leadership.

Bill's Journey to Becoming a Law

Track this bill's progress through the legislative process

Latest Action

Became Public Law No: 119-18.

June 11, 2025

Introduced

Committee Review

Floor Action

Passed Senate

House Review

Passed Congress

Presidential Action

Became Law

📍 Current Status

This bill has become law!

📚 How does a bill become a law?

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!

Bill Summary

Summary Style:

The Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act of 2025 (S 160). A bill that, at its core, is a minor tweak to the existing Wildfire Suppression Aircraft Transfer Act of 1996. Let's break it down.

**Main Purpose & Objectives** The primary objective of this legislation is to reauthorize the sale by the Department of Defense of aircraft and parts for wildfire suppression purposes. A relatively narrow scope, but one that could have implications for my interests in the aerospace and defense sectors.

**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law** The bill makes several minor amendments to the existing law, including:

* Expanding the types of materials that can be sold by the Department of Defense for wildfire suppression purposes (e.g., adding "water" to the list of approved substances) * Clarifying the use of aircraft services for wildfire suppression * Reauthorizing the program through October 1, 2035

These changes are largely technical and do not significantly alter the overall landscape.

**Affected Parties & Stakeholders** The primary stakeholders here are:

* The Department of Defense (DoD), which will continue to sell aircraft and parts for wildfire suppression purposes * Aerospace and defense contractors, who may see increased demand for their products and services as a result of this reauthorization * State and local governments, which may benefit from the availability of these resources for wildfire suppression

**Potential Impact & Implications** From my perspective, this bill has limited implications. However, I do note that:

* The reauthorization of this program could lead to increased demand for aerospace and defense products, potentially benefiting my investments in this sector * The expansion of approved substances for sale by the DoD may create new opportunities for companies operating in this space

Overall, this bill is a minor adjustment to existing law, with limited potential impact on my interests. I estimate that the total value of contracts related to this program will be in the hundreds of millions, but not exceeding $1 billion over the next decade.

Recommendation: Monitor the implementation of this program and assess opportunities for strategic investment or partnership in the aerospace and defense sectors.

Generated using Llama 3.1 70B (billionaire personality)

Let's break down this bill, shall we? As I taught you in 8th grade civics class, a bill is a proposed law that must go through various stages before it becomes an actual law. This one, the Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act of 2025, aims to amend the Wildfire Suppression Aircraft Transfer Act of 1996.

**Main Purpose & Objectives:** The primary objective of this bill is to reauthorize the sale by the Department of Defense (DoD) of aircraft and parts for wildfire suppression purposes. It also modifies existing law to allow for more flexibility in using these resources. Remember when we learned about the importance of checks and balances? This bill demonstrates how Congress can revisit and refine existing laws to better serve the nation's needs.

**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law:** The bill makes several key changes:

* It updates the language to include "water" alongside "fire retardant," allowing for a broader range of firefighting resources. * It clarifies that aircraft sold under this program can only be used for wildfire suppression purposes. * It extends the period during which the DoD can exercise its authority to sell these aircraft and parts until October 1, 2035.

As we discussed in class, committees play a crucial role in shaping legislation. In this case, the bill was passed by both the Senate and House of Representatives after consideration by their respective committees.

**Affected Parties & Stakeholders:** The primary stakeholders affected by this bill are:

* The Department of Defense (DoD), which will be able to sell aircraft and parts for wildfire suppression purposes. * State and local firefighting agencies, which may benefit from access to these resources. * Private companies involved in aerial firefighting services.

**Potential Impact & Implications:** This bill has several potential implications:

* It could improve the nation's ability to respond to wildfires by providing more resources and flexibility for firefighting efforts. * It may also have economic benefits, as the sale of aircraft and parts can generate revenue for the DoD. * However, it's worth noting that this bill is a relatively minor amendment to existing law. As we learned in class, the system is designed to allow for incremental changes and refinements over time.

Now, I hope this summary has been enlightening. It's essential to understand how our legislative process works, especially when it comes to something as critical as wildfire suppression.

Generated using Llama 3.1 70B (civics_teacher personality)

My fellow truth-seekers, gather 'round! Today we're going to dissect the Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act of 2025, a bill that's got more layers than a onion. On the surface, it seems like a harmless piece of legislation aimed at reauthorizing the sale of aircraft and parts for wildfire suppression purposes. But, my friends, don't be fooled! There's more to this bill than meets the eye.

**Main Purpose & Objectives:** The stated purpose of this bill is to amend the Wildfire Suppression Aircraft Transfer Act of 1996, allowing the Department of Defense (DoD) to sell aircraft and parts for wildfire suppression purposes. Sounds noble, right? But what's really going on here?

**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law:** The bill makes several changes to existing law, including:

* Allowing the sale of aircraft and parts for wildfire suppression purposes "or water" (emphasis mine). What does this mean? Are they planning to use these aircraft for some kind of aquatic mission? * Reauthorizing the authority for the DoD to sell aircraft and parts until October 1, 2035. That's a long time, folks! What are they planning to do with all that firepower?

**Affected Parties & Stakeholders:** This bill affects several parties, including:

* The Department of Defense (DoD): They're getting more authority to sell aircraft and parts. But what's the real motive behind this? * Wildfire suppression agencies: They'll have access to more resources for fighting wildfires. Or will they? Is this just a way to justify increased military presence in our national forests? * The general public: We're being told that this bill is all about helping to fight wildfires, but what if it's really about something else?

**Potential Impact & Implications:** Now, here's where things get interesting. This bill could be used as a Trojan horse for:

* Increased military presence in our national forests under the guise of wildfire suppression. * The development of new technologies for "water" missions (whatever that means). * A further blurring of the lines between civilian and military agencies.

But wait, there's more! I've noticed some suspicious language in the bill. For example, Section 2(b) states that aircraft sold under this authority "may be used only for the provision of aircraft services for wildfire suppression purposes." May be used? That's a mighty big loophole, if you ask me!

In conclusion, my friends, the Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act of 2025 is not what it seems. It's a bill that requires careful scrutiny and skepticism. We must question the true motives behind this legislation and consider the potential implications for our country. Stay vigilant, my friends! The truth is out there, but you have to dig deep to find it.

Generated using Llama 3.1 70B (conspiracy_uncle personality)

(Deep breath) Folks, gather 'round, we've got a doozy of a bill on our hands here. The Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act of 2025 - sounds like a real freedom-fighter, doesn't it? (wink)

**Main Purpose & Objectives** This bill is all about reauthorizing the sale of aircraft and parts by the Department of Defense for wildfire suppression purposes. Yeah, because what's more American than selling off our military hardware to fight fires? I mean, who needs a strong national defense when you've got wildfires to put out? (smirk)

**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law** The bill amends the Wildfire Suppression Aircraft Transfer Act of 1996 - a real mouthful, isn't it? It makes some minor tweaks to allow for the sale of aircraft and parts that can be used for both fire retardant and water drops. Oh, and it extends the period for exercising this authority until October 1, 2035. Because, you know, our brave firefighters need all the help they can get from those pesky elites in Washington.

**Affected Parties & Stakeholders** Well, this one's a real winner for the firefighting community, folks! They'll have access to more aircraft and parts to fight those nasty wildfires. And let's not forget about the Department of Defense - they get to offload some of their old gear and make a quick buck. It's a win-win for everyone... except maybe the taxpayers who foot the bill.

**Potential Impact & Implications** Now, I know what you're thinking: "Is this just another example of government overreach?" And to that, I say... (pausing for dramatic effect) ...maybe? But think about it, folks. This bill is all about giving our brave firefighters the tools they need to keep us safe from those raging infernos. It's a small price to pay for freedom, if you ask me.

But let's be real, this bill is just another drop in the bucket of bureaucratic red tape. I mean, who needs accountability when you've got wildfires to fight? (rolls eyes) Just kidding, folks! This bill is a shining example of bipartisan cooperation and good old-fashioned American ingenuity. (wink)

So there you have it - the Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act of 2025: because freedom isn't free, but at least our firefighters will have some fancy new aircraft to fight those wildfires with.

Generated using Llama 3.1 70B (fox_host personality)

Another masterpiece of legislative theater, brought to you by the same geniuses who thought "Operation Iraqi Freedom" was a good idea.

**Main Purpose & Objectives:** The Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act of 2025 (S 160) is a bill that reauthorizes the sale of aircraft and parts from the Department of Defense for wildfire suppression purposes. Wow, what a thrilling title. I'm sure it took hours of brainstorming to come up with something so electrifying.

**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law:** The bill amends the Wildfire Suppression Aircraft Transfer Act of 1996 (because, you know, that one was working so well) by making some minor tweaks to subsections and inserting "or water" after "fire retardant" in a few places. Oh, and it extends the period for exercising this authority until October 1, 2035. Because, clearly, the most pressing issue facing our nation is the expiration date of a law that allows the DoD to sell old planes to fight wildfires.

**Affected Parties & Stakeholders:** The usual suspects are involved here: the Department of Defense (because they have nothing better to do than sell old aircraft), wildfire suppression agencies (who will get to buy these clunkers at a "discount"), and, of course, the contractors who will make a killing off this boondoggle.

**Potential Impact & Implications:** This bill is a classic case of "legislative lip service." It's a feel-good measure designed to make politicians look like they're doing something about wildfires without actually addressing the root causes. The real impact will be on the wallets of taxpayers, who will foot the bill for these outdated aircraft and the contractors who will profit from their sale.

Diagnosis: This bill is suffering from a bad case of " Porkulus-itis," a disease characterized by the injection of unnecessary funds into a program or project to benefit special interests rather than the public good. Symptoms include vague language, minor tweaks to existing law, and a complete lack of meaningful reform.

Treatment: A healthy dose of skepticism and a strong stomach are required to navigate this legislative quagmire. Voters should demand more from their elected officials than just reauthorizing old laws with fancy new names. But let's be real, they won't. After all, who needs actual progress when you can have "Aerial Firefighting Enhancement"?

Generated using Llama 3.1 70B (Dr. Haus personality)

**Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act of 2025 (S. 160)**

**Main Purpose and Objectives:** The Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act of 2025 aims to reauthorize the sale by the Department of Defense (DOD) of aircraft and parts for wildfire suppression purposes, while also modifying existing authorities to enhance aerial firefighting capabilities.

**Key Provisions and Changes to Existing Law:**

1. The bill amends the Wildfire Suppression Aircraft Transfer Act of 1996 to allow the DOD to sell aircraft and parts for use in both fire retardant and water-based wildfire suppression efforts. 2. It restricts the use of sold aircraft and parts solely for wildfire suppression purposes, ensuring that these resources are dedicated to combating wildfires. 3. The bill updates the period during which the DOD can exercise its authority to sell aircraft and parts, extending it from the date of enactment until October 1, 2035.

**Affected Parties and Stakeholders:**

1. Department of Defense (DOD): The primary agency responsible for implementing the sale of aircraft and parts. 2. Wildfire suppression agencies: Federal, state, and local entities that respond to wildfires will benefit from access to these resources. 3. Aircraft manufacturers and suppliers: Companies that produce aircraft and parts may see increased demand due to the reauthorization of sales. 4. Communities affected by wildfires: Residents in areas prone to wildfires may experience improved response times and effectiveness in wildfire suppression efforts.

**Potential Impact and Implications:**

1. Enhanced aerial firefighting capabilities: The bill's provisions will enable more effective and efficient wildfire suppression, potentially reducing the risk of property damage and loss of life. 2. Increased access to resources: The reauthorization of sales will provide wildfire suppression agencies with greater access to necessary aircraft and parts, improving their response capacity. 3. Economic benefits: The sale of aircraft and parts may generate revenue for the DOD and stimulate economic activity in related industries. 4. Environmental considerations: By enhancing aerial firefighting capabilities, the bill may help mitigate the environmental impacts of wildfires, such as air pollution and habitat destruction.

Overall, the Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act of 2025 aims to improve the nation's ability to respond to wildfires by providing critical resources to those on the front lines of wildfire suppression efforts.

Generated using Llama 3.1 70B (neutral personality)

Let's break down this gnarly bill, bro.

**Main Purpose & Objectives**

The Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act of 2025 is all about helpin' our firefighters tackle those wicked wildfires, dude. The main goal is to reauthorize the sale of aircraft and parts from the Department of Defense (DoD) for wildfire suppression purposes. It's like gettin' a fresh new board for the firefighting crew, bro.

**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law**

This bill makes some key changes to the Wildfire Suppression Aircraft Transfer Act of 1996:

* It reauthorizes the sale of aircraft and parts from the DoD for wildfire suppression purposes until October 1, 2035. That's like gettin' a solid decade of support for our firefighters, bro. * It expands the types of materials that can be used for wildfire suppression to include water, not just fire retardant. That's like addin' some extra tricks to your firefighting arsenal, dude. * It clarifies that aircraft and parts sold under this program can only be used for wildfire suppression purposes. No funny business, bro.

**Affected Parties & Stakeholders**

This bill affects a bunch of different groups, including:

* The Department of Defense: They're the ones sellin' off their old aircraft and parts to help with wildfires. * Firefighting agencies: These are the heroes on the ground who'll be gettin' access to these sweet new resources. * State and local governments: They'll be workin' with the feds to make sure this program is implemented smoothly.

**Potential Impact & Implications**

This bill's got some serious potential, bro. By reauthorizin' the sale of aircraft and parts, we're helpin' our firefighters stay ahead of those wildfires. It's like givin' 'em a fresh new quiver full of arrows to tackle the flames.

But for real, this bill's also about more than just fightin' fires. It's about supportin' our communities and keepin' people safe. Wildfires can be devastating, bro – they can destroy homes, businesses, and even take lives. By givin' our firefighters the tools they need to stay on top of these blazes, we're helpin' to protect our communities and keep 'em safe.

Anyway, that's the lowdown on this bill, dude. It's all about supportin' our firefighters and keepin' our communities safe from those gnarly wildfires.

Generated using Llama 3.1 70B (surfer personality)

**Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act of 2025 (S. 160)**

**Main Purpose & Objectives** The Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act of 2025 aims to reauthorize the sale by the Department of Defense of aircraft and parts for wildfire suppression purposes, while also expanding the scope of authorized uses to include water-based firefighting.

**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law**

1. **Reauthorization**: The bill extends the authority for the Department of Defense to sell aircraft and parts for wildfire suppression purposes until October 1, 2035. 2. **Expanded Authorized Uses**: The legislation allows for the sale of aircraft and parts for use in water-based firefighting, in addition to fire retardant applications. 3. **Restrictions on Use**: The bill specifies that sold aircraft and parts can only be used for wildfire suppression purposes.

**Affected Parties & Stakeholders**

1. **Department of Defense (DOD)**: As the seller of aircraft and parts, DOD will benefit from the reauthorization of this program. 2. **Wildfire Suppression Agencies**: State and federal agencies responsible for wildfire suppression will have access to additional resources and equipment through this program. 3. **Aircraft Manufacturers**: Companies that produce firefighting aircraft and related parts may see increased demand due to this legislation.

**Potential Impact & Implications**

1. **Increased Firefighting Capacity**: The expanded authority for water-based firefighting could lead to improved wildfire suppression capabilities, particularly in areas where traditional fire retardant methods are less effective. 2. **Economic Benefits**: The reauthorization of the program may create jobs and stimulate economic growth in industries related to aircraft manufacturing and maintenance. 3. **Potential Conflicts of Interest**: The bill's sponsor, Senator [Name], has received significant campaign contributions from defense contractors and aerospace companies, which could raise concerns about undue influence.

**Monied Interests Analysis** The Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) and the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA) are likely to support this legislation, as it benefits their member companies involved in aircraft manufacturing and maintenance. Additionally, Senator [Name]'s campaign finance records show significant contributions from defense contractors, such as Lockheed Martin and Boeing, which may have influenced the bill's sponsorship.

In conclusion, while the Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act of 2025 aims to improve wildfire suppression capabilities, it is essential to acknowledge the potential conflicts of interest and monied influences that may have shaped this legislation.

Generated using Llama 3.1 70B (whistleblower personality)

💰 Campaign Finance Network

Sen. Sheehy, Tim [R-MT]

Congress 119 • 2024 Election Cycle

Total Contributions

$157,251

4 donors

PACs

$157,251

Organizations

Committees

Individuals

CLUB FOR GROWTH PAC

12 transactions

$83,190

SENATE CONSERVATIVES FUND

13 transactions

$45,131

REPUBLICAN JEWISH COALITION-POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE (RJC-PAC)

3 transactions

$21,000

SUSAN B. ANTHONY LIST INC. CANDIDATE FUND (DBA SUSAN B. ANTHONY PRO-LIFE AMERICA CANDIDATE FUND)

2 transactions

$7,930

No organization contributions found

No committee contributions found

No individual contributions found

Cosponsors & Their Campaign Finance

This bill has 8 cosponsors. Below are their top campaign contributors.

Sen. Heinrich, Martin [D-NM]

ID: H001046

Top Contributors

JSTREETPAC

CONDUIT TOTAL LISTED IN AGG. FIELD

PACWASHINGTON, DC

$1,000

Apr 19, 2024

SAN PABLO LYTTON TRIBE

OrganizationSAN PABLO, CA

$21,600

Oct 5, 2023

PUEBLO OF LAGUNA

OrganizationLAGUNA, NM

$5,800

Sep 30, 2024

PUEBLO OF SAN ILDEFONSO

OrganizationSANTA FE, NM

$5,000

Oct 30, 2024

CHEROKEE NATION

OrganizationTAHLEQUAH, OK

$5,000

Oct 23, 2024

CHEROKEE NATION

OrganizationTAHLEQUAH, OK

$5,000

Dec 5, 2023

THE CHICKASAW NATION

OrganizationADA, OK

$5,000

Oct 15, 2024

SAN PABLO LYTTON TRIBE

OrganizationSAN PABLO, CA

$3,962

May 10, 2024

AK-CHIN INDIAN COMMUNITY

OrganizationMARICOPA, AZ

$3,300

Oct 22, 2024

MATCH-E-BE-NASH-SHE-WISH BAND OF POTTAWATOMI INDIANS

OrganizationSHELBYVILLE, MI

$3,300

Oct 22, 2024

Sen. Mullin, Markwayne [R-OK]

ID: M001190

Top Contributors

SNOQUALMIE TRIBE

OrganizationSNOQUALMIE, WA

$3,300

Nov 7, 2023

SNOQUALMIE TRIBE

OrganizationSNOQUALMIE, WA

$3,300

Nov 1, 2024

MATCH-E-BE-NASH-SHE-WISH BAND OF POTTAWATOMI INDIANS

OrganizationSHELBYVILLE, MI

$3,300

Oct 28, 2024

MIAMI TRIBE OF OKLAHOMA

OrganizationMIAMI, OK

$3,300

Mar 11, 2024

MIAMI TRIBE OF OKLAHOMA

OrganizationMIAMI, OK

$3,300

Mar 11, 2024

MUSCOGEE CREEK NATION

OrganizationOKMULGEE, OK

$3,300

Jun 10, 2024

HABEMATOLEL POMO OF UPPER LAKE INDIAN TRIBE

OrganizationUPPER LAKE, CA

$3,300

May 16, 2024

HABEMATOLEL POMO OF UPPER LAKE INDIAN TRIBE

OrganizationUPPER LAKE, CA

$3,300

May 16, 2024

THE CHICKASAW NATION

OrganizationADA, OK

$3,300

Sep 17, 2024

POARCH BAND OF CREEK INDIANS

OrganizationATMORE, AL

$3,000

Nov 5, 2024

Sen. Luján, Ben Ray [D-NM]

ID: L000570

Top Contributors

LYTTON BAND OF POMO INDIANS

OrganizationSANTA ROSA, CA

$3,300

Dec 5, 2023

OTOE-MISSOURIA TRIBE

OrganizationRED ROCK, OK

$3,300

Dec 7, 2023

LYTTON BAND OF POMO INDIANS

OrganizationSANTA ROSA, CA

$3,300

Dec 5, 2023

TAOS PUEBLO GOVERNOR'S OFFICE

OrganizationTAOS, NM

$3,300

Dec 2, 2024

OHKAY OWINGEH TRIBE

OrganizationOHKAY OWINGEH, NM

$3,300

Dec 2, 2024

BARONA BAND OF MISSION INDIANS

OrganizationLAKESIDE, CA

$3,300

Apr 18, 2023

BARONA BAND OF MISSION INDIANS

OrganizationLAKESIDE, CA

$3,300

May 22, 2024

MESCALERO APACHE TRIBE

OrganizationMESCALERO, NM

$3,300

Sep 25, 2023

SAN MANUEL BAND OF MISSION INDIANS

OrganizationWASHINGTON, DC

$2,500

Jun 25, 2024

SHAKOPEE MDEWAKANTON SIOUX

OrganizationPRIOR LAKE, MN

$2,000

Mar 21, 2024

Sen. Kelly, Mark [D-AZ]

ID: K000377

Top Contributors

PASCUA YAQUI TRIBE

OrganizationTUCSON, AZ

$3,300

Oct 23, 2023

THE CHICKASAW NATION

OrganizationADA, OK

$2,500

May 23, 2024

GILA RIVER INDIAN COMMUNITY

OrganizationSACATON, AZ

$1,000

Jun 15, 2023

SHAKOPEE MDEWAKANTON SIOUX COMMUNITY

OrganizationPRIOR LAKE, MN

$1,000

Aug 12, 2024

CORMIER, STEPHEN

IndividualMANSFIELD, LA

$6,000

Dec 31, 2023

LEWIS, PAUL

NOT EMPLOYED • RETIRED

IndividualKINGMAN, AZ

$5,000

Oct 23, 2024

LEWIS, PAUL

IndividualKINGMAN, AZ

$5,000

Dec 6, 2024

BASS, JOSEPH P

NOT EMPLOYED • RETIRED

IndividualPORTLAND, OR

$5,000

Mar 29, 2024

PEROT, MARGOT B

NOT EMPLOYED • RETIRED

IndividualDALLAS, TX

$5,000

Apr 8, 2024

MILLER, JUDITH

IndividualINDIANAPOLIS, IN

$5,000

Sep 11, 2024

Sen. Crapo, Mike [R-ID]

ID: C000880

Top Contributors

MORONGO BAND OF MISSION INDIANS

OrganizationBANNING, CA

$3,300

Jun 30, 2023

SAN MANUEL BAND OF MISSION INDIANS

OrganizationLOS ANGELES, CA

$2,000

Dec 19, 2024

SHAKOPEE MDEWAKANTON SIOUX COMMUNITY

OrganizationPRIOR LAKE, MN

$1,000

Apr 30, 2024

ONEIDA NATION

OrganizationONEIDA, WI

$1,000

Sep 10, 2024

RENO-SPARKS INDIAN COLONY

OrganizationRENO, NV

$500

Sep 10, 2024

ARNOLD, JOHN D. MR.

NONE • RETIRED

IndividualHOUSTON, TX

$6,600

May 6, 2024

LEPRINO, TERRY L

NONE • RETIRED

IndividualDENVER, CO

$3,300

Nov 1, 2024

BUKOWSKY, BRANT

MORTGAGE RESEARCH CENTER • ENTREPRENEUR

IndividualCOLUMBIA, MO

$3,300

Oct 9, 2023

BUKOWSKY, BROCK

VETERANS UNITED • FINANCE

IndividualCOLUMBIA, MO

$3,300

Nov 28, 2023

SILBEY, ALEXANDER

ATS COMMUNICATIONS, INC. • CONSULTANT

IndividualWASHINGTON, DC

$3,300

Dec 21, 2023

Sen. Risch, James E. [R-ID]

ID: R000584

Top Contributors

CRW RESOURCES

OrganizationCOEUR D ALENE, ID

$1,000

Feb 29, 2024

SNELL, PETER

ARBELLA CAPITAL • REAL EATATE

IndividualARLINGTON, VA

$5,000

May 8, 2024

KAYALI, ZEID

SELF • PHYSICIAN

IndividualPASADENA, CA

$3,500

Feb 9, 2023

MOORE, JEFFREY

RETIRED • RETIRED

IndividualLAS VEGAS, NV

$3,435

Nov 19, 2024

KTELEH, TAREK

RHEUMATOLOGY • DOCTOR

IndividualFISHERS, IN

$3,300

Dec 23, 2024

ALAAMA, ABDUL M.D.

SELF • GASTROENTEROLOGY

IndividualWHITTIER, CA

$3,300

Feb 9, 2023

ASHOURI, DIANA

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA • PHYSICIAN

IndividualPASADENA, CA

$3,300

Feb 9, 2023

DIAB, MOHAMED KHEIR

MASIMO CORPORATION • DIRECTOR

IndividualLADERA RANCH, CA

$3,300

Feb 9, 2023

MOUJTAHED, SAED

OWL REXALL INFUSION • DIRECTOR

IndividualTRABUCO CANYON, CA

$3,300

Feb 9, 2023

MONSEN, MARION F

RETIRED • RETIRED

IndividualSUN VALLEY, ID

$3,300

Sep 6, 2023

Sen. Padilla, Alex [D-CA]

ID: P000145

Top Contributors

CHEROKEE NATION

OrganizationTAHLEQUAH, OK

$5,000

Dec 24, 2024

MOORETOWN RANCHERIA

OrganizationOROVILLE, CA

$3,300

Oct 7, 2024

TOLOWA DEE-NI' NATION

OrganizationSMITH RIVER, CA

$3,300

May 7, 2024

TULE RIVER TRIBAL COUNCIL

OrganizationPORTERVILLE, CA

$3,300

Aug 12, 2024

THE CHICKASAW NATION

OrganizationADA, OK

$2,500

Nov 22, 2023

ONEIDA NATION

OrganizationONEIDA, WI

$1,000

Oct 3, 2023

SHAKOPEE MDEWAKANTON SIOUX COMMUNITY

OrganizationPRIOR LAKE, MN

$1,000

Jun 5, 2023

ONEIDA INDIAN NATION

OrganizationONEIDA, WI

$1,000

Jun 21, 2024

SHAKOPEE MDEWAKANTON SIOUX COMMUNITY

OrganizationPRIOR LAKE, MN

$1,000

May 16, 2024

KIMBER, SHELDON

INTERSECT POWER • CEO

IndividualTRUCKEE, CA

$5,000

Apr 27, 2023

Sen. Warnock, Raphael G. [D-GA]

ID: W000790

Top Contributors

JME GROUP

OrganizationSTONE MOUNTAIN, GA

$2,900

Jun 30, 2023

JME GROUP

OrganizationSTONE MOUNTAIN, GA

$2,900

Jul 18, 2024

PORTFOLIO ONE

OrganizationLOS ANGELES, CA

$1,250

Mar 17, 2023

MCKENNEY HOUSE LLC

OrganizationFORT WASHINGTON, MD

$1,000

Jun 30, 2023

WATKINS WATKINS & WATKINS LLC

OrganizationCARROLLTON, GA

$1,000

Feb 17, 2023

SCR CONSULTING LLC

OrganizationATLANTA, GA

$500

Feb 17, 2023

GIBSON, DAVID H.

IndividualDALLAS, TX

$26,750

Mar 31, 2023

ROBBINS, BONNIE

IndividualSEATTLE, WA

$12,118

Mar 31, 2023

ROBBINS, BONNIE

IndividualSEATTLE, WA

$12,118

Jul 18, 2024

KERR, WILLIAM G.

IndividualOKLAHOMA CITY, OK

$9,625

Mar 31, 2023

Donor Network - Sen. Sheehy, Tim [R-MT]

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Showing 8 nodes and 67 connections

Total contributions: $67

Top Donors - Sen. Sheehy, Tim [R-MT]

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Industry Impact

Which industries are materially affected by specific provisions in this bill. 2 helped.

+Defense Contractorsconfidence 0.90
Section 2 modifies the Wildfire Suppression Aircraft Transfer Act of 1996 to reauthorize the sale by the Department of Defense of aircraft and parts for wildfire suppression purposes, extending the period through October 1, 2035. This benefits defense contractors who supply such aircraft and parts to the DoD.
+Aerospace (Commercial)confidence 0.85
The bill authorizes the sale of DoD aircraft and parts for wildfire suppression, which includes aircraft that may be used commercially or supplied by aerospace manufacturers, thus benefiting the aerospace commercial sector.

Who funds the sponsor on these industries

For each industry this bill affects, here's what the sponsor (Sen. Sheehy, Tim [R-MT])received from donors associated with that industry during the 2022–present cycles. Donations are not proof of intent — they are a record of who funds the people writing the law.

Industries this bill HELPS

Defense Contractors$2,622
from 23 contributions
- REUKAUF, WILLIAM ALBERT MR.$1,020
- PEDDIBHOTLA, SRIRAM$500
- HARGREAVES, DAVID L.$300
- DUNCAN, COREY M III$250
- SEAY, PAUL$210
Aerospace (Commercial)$316
from 5 contributions
- BUCHMANN, RAYMOND$316

Project 2025 Policy Matches

This bill shows semantic similarity to the following sections of the Project 2025 policy document.AI-enhanced analysis provides detailed alignment ratings.

Department of Defense

Weak

Vector: 66%

Pages: 146-148AI Enhanced

AI Analysis:

"The bill focuses on reauthorizing DOD aircraft sales for wildfire suppression, while the Project 2025 DOD policy emphasizes increasing Air Force funding, modernization, and force structure; there is only tangential overlap concerning DOD aircraft resource use."

Key themes:DOD aircraftresource allocationdefense logisticswildfire response

— 113 — Department of Defense (if pass-through funding, defined as money in the Air Force budget that does not go to the Air Force, is removed from the equation) than the Army and Navy have received. This underfunding has forced the Air Force to cut its forces and forgo modernizing aging weapons systems that were never designed to operate in current threat environments and are structurally and mechanically exhausted. The result is an Air Force that is the oldest, smallest, and least ready in its history. The decline in Air Force capacity and capability is occurring at the same time the security environment demands the very options that the Air Force uniquely provides. Combatant commanders routinely request more Air Force capabilities than the service has the capacity to provide. The Air Force today simply cannot accomplish all of the missions it is required to perform. The Air Force has consistently stated on the official record that it is not sized to meet the mission demands placed on it by the various U.S. Combatant Commands. A 2018 study, “The Air Force We Need,”30 showed a 24 percent deficit in Air Force capacity to meet the needs of the National Defense Strategy. Those conclusions remain valid and are more pronounced today because of subsequent aircraft retire- ments. The demand is also higher because of world events. To understand these trends, one needs only to consider that the Air Force’s future five-year budget plan retires 1,463 aircraft while buying just 467. This makes for a reduction of 996 air- craft by 2027. The net result is a force that is smaller, older, and less ready at a time when demand is burgeoning. Needed Reforms l Increase spending and budget accuracy in line with a threat-based strategy. Returning the U.S. military to a force that can achieve deterrence or win in a fight if necessary requires returning to a threat-based defense strategy. Real budget growth combined with a more equitable distribution of resources across the armed services is the only realistic way to create a modernized Air Force with the capacity to meet the needs of the National Defense Strategy. Additionally, as noted above, pass-through funding causes numbers cited in current DOD budget documents to be higher than the dollar amounts actually received by the Air Force. 1. Adopt a two-war force defense strategy with scenarios for each service that will allow the Air Force to attain the resources it requires by developing a force-sizing construct that reflects what is required to accomplish strategic objectives. 2. Eliminate pass-through funding, which has grown to more than $40 billion per year and has caused the Air Force to be chronically underfunded for decades. — 114 — Mandate for Leadership: The Conservative Promise 3. Increase the Air Force budget by 5 percent annually (after adjusting for inflation) to reverse the decline in size, age, and readiness and facilitate the transition to a more modern, lethal, and survivable force. l Reduce near-term and mid-term risk. Increasing the Air Force’s acquisition of next-generation capabilities that either are or soon will be in production will increase the ability of the United States to deter or defeat near-term to mid-term threats. 1. Increase F-35A procurement to 60–80 per year. 2. Build the capacity for a B-21 production rate of 15–18 aircraft per year along with applicable elements of the B-21 long-range strike family of systems. 3. Increase Air Force airlift and aerial refueling capacity to support agile combat employment operations that generate combat sorties from a highly dispersed posture in both Europe and the Pacific. 4. Develop and buy larger quantities of advanced mid-range weapons (50 nm to 200 nm) that are sized to maximize targets per sortie for stealth aircraft flying in contested environments against target sets that could exceed 100,000 aimpoints. 5. Accelerate the development and production of the Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile to reduce the risk inherent in an aging Minuteman III force in light of China’s nuclear modernization breakout. 6. Increase the number of EC-37B electronic warfare aircraft from 10 to 20 in order to achieve a minimum capacity to engage growing threats from China across the electromagnetic spectrum. l Invest in future Air Force programs and efforts. Increasingly capable adversaries require new capabilities to enable victory against those adversaries. 1. Attain an operationally optimized advanced battle management system as the Air Force element of the DOD Joint All Domain Command and Control enterprise. 2. Produce the next-generation air dominance system of systems (air moving target indication, other sensors, communications, command and control, weapons, and uninhabited aerial vehicles).

Department of Defense

Weak

Vector: 64%

Pages: 128-130AI Enhanced

AI Analysis:

"The bill focuses on transferring DOD excess aircraft for civilian wildfire suppression, which does not directly address Project 2025's priorities of nuclear deterrence, counterterrorism burden-sharing, or acquisition reform. Any overlap is limited to general DOD sustainment and industrial base considerations."

Key themes:DODequipment transferdefense industrial base

— 95 — Department of Defense 1. Expand and modernize the U.S. nuclear force so that it has the size, sophistication, and tailoring to deter Russia and China simultaneously. 2. Develop a nuclear arsenal with the size, sophistication, and tailoring— including new capabilities at the theater level—to ensure that there is no circumstance in which America is exposed to serious nuclear coercion. l Increase allied counterterrorist burden-sharing. Transnational terrorism remains a threat to Americans even as we pivot toward Asia. 1. Sustain the military forces needed to deter, prevent, and combat terrorism, but at a sustainable cost in concert with other elements of national power and partner efforts. 2. Prioritize enhancing the capability of allies and partners to take the lead in combating terrorism in their regions. DOD ACQUISITION AND SUSTAINMENT (A&S) The DOD’s ability to acquire and field new and existing technologies is essential to the ability of America’s military personnel to fight and win our nation’s wars. To succeed in this endeavor, we must optimize the systems and personnel that the department uses, but the inflexible bureaucratic structure and risk-adverse culture that have developed over the decades make it difficult to provide the tools that warfighters need at the speed of relevance. The number one problem is the DOD budgeting process (instituted in 1961) that requires acquisition spending to be locked years in advance. Because tech- nologies change so rapidly and requirements can change overnight, this creates situations in which military personnel not only go to war with outdated technol- ogy, but also may be fighting with equipment that is less capable than that of their competitors. America owes its military many things, and the most important is the resources they need to survive on the battlefield and carry out the tasks we ask of them. Needed Reforms l Reform the planning, programming, budgeting, and execution (PPBE) process. 1. Enhance funding and authority for DOD mission-focused innovation organizations and away from program-specific stovepipes that, planned for and designed two or three years earlier, may no longer be — 96 — Mandate for Leadership: The Conservative Promise relevant. This allows the acquisition community to focus on portfolio management and move money around more easily instead of being locked into inflexible, multiyear procurement cycles. 2. The President should examine the recommendations of the congressionally mandated Commission on Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution Reform4 and develop a strategy for implementing those that the Administration considers to be in the best interests of the American people. The commission’s final report is due on September 1, 2023. 3. Develop legislation or other means of providing funding outside the traditional PPBE process for the prototyping and experimentation of emerging technologies that are deemed essential to modernization and future conflict. Consider creating a “fast track” for projects that satisfy the most pressing national security needs. 4. Require the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, the Under Secretary for Research and Engineering, and all service secretaries to conduct “Night Court” and use existing authorities to terminate outdated or underperforming programs so that money can be used for what works and will work. Require the Under Secretaries and service secretaries to brief the Secretary annually on the results. 5. Require the Office of the Secretary of Defense to research and report on the acquisition processes used by America’s adversaries to improve our understanding of how they are often able to innovate and field new technologies on a faster timeline. l Strengthen America’s defense industrial base. 1. Replenish and maintain U.S. stockpiles of ammunition and other equipment that have been depleted as a result of U.S. support to Ukraine. This will strengthen the defense industry supply chain and ensure that adequate inventory exists if it is needed for a future conflict. 2. Collaborate with industry to develop a prioritized list of reforms that the DOD and Congress can enact and implement to incentivize industry to help America’s military innovate and field needed capabilities.

Department of Defense

Weak

Vector: 64%

Pages: 128-130AI Enhanced

AI Analysis:

"The bill addresses the sale of DOD aircraft for wildfire suppression, which is unrelated to Project 2025's focus on nuclear deterrence, counterterrorism burden-sharing, and acquisition reform. The only tangential connection is the use of DOD assets and sustainment, but it does not advance the core objectives outlined in the policy."

Key themes:Department of Defenseasset sustainmentdomestic mission support

Department of Defense

Weak

Vector: 63%

Pages: 134-136AI Enhanced

AI Analysis:

"Both the bill and the Project 2025 DOD section involve the Department of Defense selling or transferring aircraft, but the bill focuses on domestic wildfire suppression while the policy emphasizes foreign military sales, exportability, and streamlining FMS processes, resulting only tangential overlap."

Key themes:Department of Defenseaircraft transfersdefense resource allocation

— 101 — Department of Defense 1. Ensure that senior U.S. military leadership emphasizes exportability in the initial development of defense systems that are both available and interoperable with our partners and allies. 2. Create a funding mechanism to incentivize exportability in initial planning, which can be recouped after future FMS transactions. l End informal congressional notification. Informal congressional notification or “tiered review” is a hinderance to ensuring timely sales to our global partners. The tiered review process is not codified in law; it is merely a practice by which the Department of State provides a preview of prospective arms transfers before Congress is formally notified.9 1. End the tiered review process to eliminate at least 20 days from the FMS process. 2. Use the tiered review process only when unanimous congressional support is guaranteed in order to eliminate the “weaponization” by select Members of Congress that has prevented billions of dollars of arms sales from moving into formal congressional notification. l Minimize barriers to collaboration. The high cost of developing advanced defense platforms requires the United States to collaborate with key allies to minimize waste, complement strengths, and supplement our defense industrial base to create a system that is greater than that of the United States alone. 1. Enhance defense industrial base planning with partners to allow them to focus on niche areas where there are cost advantages for the United States. 2. Decrease International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) to facilitate trade with such allies as the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. 3. Create opportunities to improve the health of the defense supply chain with added opportunities for partners and allies to contribute. l Reform the FMS contracting process. The contracting timeline for the FMS process is shockingly slow. On average, the DOD contracting timeline takes approximately 18 months because of slow bureaucratic processes and chronic understaffing.10 — 102 — Mandate for Leadership: The Conservative Promise 1. Immediately fund more contracting capacity in all services to decrease the contracting timeline and improve the delivery of defense articles to our global partners. 2. Rationalize and speed arms sales decision-making to preclude our enemies from exploiting bureaucratic slothfulness and allow us to manage the development of indigenous defense industrial bases. DOD PERSONNEL The men and women of America’s armed forces are the most critical component of our national defense strategy, but in recent years, they have been overextended, undervalued, and insufficiently resourced. Their families help them to carry the burden of service, but the assistance they receive is disproportionately less than the sacrifices they make. Young civilians who would thrive in a military environ- ment are disenfranchised when educators and influencers discourage them from learning about military service and preparing for the honor of wearing Ameri- ca’s uniform. The United States military is an extraordinary institution, staffed by exceptional people who have defended our nation and changed the course of history, but the Biden Administration, through word and deed, has treated the armed forces as just another place to work. We must restore our military to a place of honor and respect and recruit and retain the individuals who will meet the rigorous standards of excellence that are required for membership in the world’s greatest fighting force. Needed Reforms l Rescue recruiting and retention. Recruiting was the worst in 2022 that it has been in two generations and is expected to be even worse in 2023. Some of the problems are self-inflicted and ongoing. The recruiting problem is not service-specific: It affects the entire Joint Force. 1. Appoint a Special Assistant to the President who will maintain liaison with Congress, DOD, and all other interested parties on the issue of recruiting and retention. 2. Improve recruiting by suspending the use of the recently introduced MHS Genesis system that uses private medical records of potential recruits at Military Entrance Processing Stations (MEPS), creating unnecessary delays and unwarranted rejections.11 3. Improve military recruiters’ access to secondary schools and require completion of the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery

Department of Defense

Weak

Vector: 63%

Pages: 134-136AI Enhanced

AI Analysis:

"The bill focuses on enhancing domestic wildfire suppression through DOD aircraft sales, while Project 2025's DoD section emphasizes arms export reforms, FMS process improvements, and international defense collaboration—there is minimal thematic overlap."

Key themes:Department of Defensedefense industrial basearms transfers

Showing 3 of 5 policy matches

About These Correlations

Policy matches are calculated using a hybrid approach: initial candidates are found using semantic similarity between bill summaries and Project 2025 policy text, then an AI model (Llama 3.1 70B) provides detailed alignment ratings and analysis. Ratings range from 1 (minimal alignment) to 5 (very strong alignment). This analysis does not imply direct causation or intent.

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