What the House Armed Services Committee Mark-Up Means for Wildland Firefighters

And we’re back…After a little hiatus from writing, we’re glad to stretch out our fingers and tap on the keyboard to talk about tomorrow’s marathon session on the Hill.

The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) has become the gold standard for must-pass legislation in the U.S., having passed on time 63 consecutive years. Originally a bill devoted solely to military readiness, strategic forces, and power projection (still is!), the NDAA has become a legislative vehicle that considers issues beyond defense policy–including those critical to wildland firefighters.

For example, the fiscal Year 2023 NDAA signed into law by President Joe Biden included three provisions that finally connected the dots between working conditions in wildland fire leading to certain health ailments like cancer and cardiopulmonary disease amongst wildland firefighters.

This acknowledgment in such high-profile legislation highlights the growing awareness of the risks faced by wildland firefighters. Kind of a big deal, right?

So, what is in store for the Fiscal Year 2025 NDAA? That, my friends, is the $850 Billion question. Tomorrow the House Armed Services Committee (HASC) will mark up the must-pass legislation, tussling, and amending the massive legislation. More than likely the committee will be adjourning early the following morning.

The Chairman’s Mark released last week provided little indication that HASC  views wildfires as a national security threat or concern. And with budget caps in place since last Spring, it may complicate additional amendments to the bill, especially amendments deemed not germane to defense policy, which defense hawks may argue that wildfire is not.

Tomorrow could be crucial for wildland firefighters and the industry that supports them. Key amendments that could bolster support for wildland firefighting efforts or recognize the strategic importance of this sector may still be introduced. We will keep an eye on these developments and communicate how legislative changes in the NDAA may shape the landscape of wildland firefighting. It’s gonna be a full day of watching hearings.

You never know though, the right amendment, from the right Member at the right time tomorrow could potentially enhance the resources and recognition of those who do fight wildfires and the communities that rely on them.