H.R.345 - Fire Department Repayment Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.345, the Fire Department Repayment Act of 2025, aims to standardize reciprocal fire suppression cost share agreements between federal agencies and local fire departments. It mandates the establishment of standard operating procedures for payment timelines and requires alignment with cooperative fire protection agreements. The bill also expresses the sense of Congress that repayments should occur promptly, ideally within one year of fire suppression activities.
Expected Effects
The primary effect will be faster and more reliable reimbursement for local fire departments that assist in federal fire suppression efforts. This standardization should reduce administrative burdens and financial strain on local departments. Ultimately, this will improve the overall effectiveness of wildland fire management.
Potential Benefits
- Streamlined reimbursement processes for local fire departments.
- Improved financial stability for local fire departments involved in federal fire suppression.
- Enhanced cooperation between federal and local firefighting agencies.
- Reduced administrative burden through standardized agreements.
- Timelier payments to local fire departments, ensuring resources are available for future incidents.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased administrative oversight and bureaucracy.
- Possible delays in implementation while standard operating procedures are developed.
- Risk of unforeseen complications arising from the alignment of different types of agreements.
- The Act relies on the Secretaries to carry out the repayments, which may be subject to budgetary constraints or administrative delays.
- The Act does not guarantee full repayment, only that the Secretaries should carry out repayments as soon as practicable.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the Constitution's general welfare clause (Preamble) by promoting public safety and supporting local communities. Congress's power to legislate on matters related to federal lands and intergovernmental cooperation is derived from Article I, Section 8, which grants Congress the power to make laws that are necessary and proper for carrying out its enumerated powers. The bill does not appear to infringe on any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).