Support our Firefighters Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Panetta, Jimmy [D-CA-19]
- Committees
- Natural Resources Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Jun 24, 2026
Bottom line
The bill aims to improve the working conditions, well-being, and compensation for federal wildland firefighters by providing dedicated rest leave and removing financial caps on their overtime earnings.
What it actually does
This bill establishes a new paid rest and recuperation leave specifically for federal wildland firefighters, granting the Secretaries of Agriculture and the Interior joint authority to set policies for its use. It also permanently waives the annual aggregate pay limitation (overtime cap) for these firefighters and authorizes a limited transfer of $5,000,000 in unobligated funds to ensure the continuation of federal wildland firefighter base salary increases and premium pay.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue this bill is crucial for the physical and mental well-being of wildland firefighters, who often work extended periods in hazardous conditions. It addresses critical issues like burnout, retention, and fair compensation, ensuring these essential personnel receive adequate recovery time and are properly compensated for their demanding work, ultimately enhancing national fire response capabilities.
Opponents contend
Critics might argue that while the intent to support firefighters is commendable, the bill could lead to increased federal spending without a clear, long-term funding strategy beyond a limited fund transfer. Concerns could also be raised about the broad discretion given to the Secretaries in prescribing leave policies, potentially leading to inconsistencies or insufficient benefits in practice.
The bill is concise and directly addresses its objectives, making it accessible for a quick but thorough evaluation by an informed reader.
Section 2, amending Subchapter II of chapter 63 of title 5, United States Code, by adding section 6329e.
Establishment of Paid Rest and Recuperation Leave for Wildland Firefighters
This section creates a new category of paid leave specifically for federal employees engaged in wildland firefighting, defining eligible 'covered employees' as those in the Forest Service or Department of the Interior who meet specific firefighter criteria or are certified for incident duties. The Secretaries of Agriculture and the Interior are mandated to jointly prescribe uniform policies for this leave, which could include requirements like 3 days of leave after a 14-day deployment or 4 days after a 21-day deployment. This leave must be used immediately after a qualifying incident and cannot be saved or paid out.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this provision is essential for combating the severe physical and mental toll of wildland firefighting, improving firefighter retention, and ensuring public safety by having well-rested crews. It acknowledges the unique demands of the job by providing specific, mandatory rest periods.
Critics contend
Some might argue that while rest is important, the specific mandates for leave duration might not always align with operational needs during peak fire seasons, potentially leading to staffing challenges. Concerns could also be raised about the administrative burden of implementing and tracking this new leave type.
Tradeoffs
This provision balances the critical need for firefighter well-being and retention against potential operational constraints during active fire seasons and the administrative complexities of a new leave system.
Section 3.
Limited Fund Transfer for Wildland Firefighter Salaries
This section authorizes the transfer of up to $5,000,000 of unobligated funds from the Forest Service's 'wildland fire management' budget, originally allocated under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, to the Department of the Interior's 'wildland fire management' budget. This transfer is specifically intended to ensure the uninterrupted continuation of federal wildland firefighter base salary increases and premium pay, as previously authorized.
Section 4, amending Section 1701 of the Extending Government Funding and Delivering Emergency Assistance Act (5 U.S.C. 5547 note).
Permanent Waiver of Overtime Pay Caps for Wildland Firefighters
This section amends existing law to permanently waive the annual aggregate pay limitation (overtime cap) for federal wildland firefighters. Previously, this waiver was temporary, applying only to specific calendar years. The amendment extends this waiver to 'any calendar year thereafter,' ensuring that wildland firefighters can earn unlimited overtime pay for their services without hitting a statutory cap, reflecting the unpredictable and often extensive hours required during fire seasons.
Defines 'covered employee' by referencing existing definitions of 'firefighter' and 'wildland firefighter' in 5 U.S.C. 5332a(a) and 'employee' in 5 U.S.C. 6301(2), or by certification from the applicable Secretary. It also defines 'qualifying incident' by referencing 5 U.S.C. 5545c(a).
Section 2(a), adding definitions to 5 U.S.C. 6329e(a).
Why it matters:This is standard legislative practice to avoid redundancy and maintain consistency with existing statutory definitions, rather than an attempt to obscure information.
Case for: Ensures consistency and avoids creating new, potentially conflicting definitions, streamlining the legislative process and leveraging existing legal frameworks.
Case against: Makes the bill less accessible for a reader without legal research tools, as the full scope of eligibility and triggering events is not immediately apparent from the bill text alone.
Estimated impact: Clarifies the precise scope of eligibility for the new rest and recuperation leave, affecting all federal wildland firefighters as defined by these external references.
Authorizes the transfer of up to $5,000,000 from unobligated balances under the 'wildland fire management' heading of the Forest Service, as made available by section 40803(c)(2)(B) of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, to the Department of the Interior for firefighter salaries.
Section 3.
Why it matters:This is standard legislative practice to refer to specific appropriations and authorizations from previous acts, providing a clear legal basis for the transfer.
Case for: Provides a clear legal basis for the transfer, ensuring accountability and adherence to existing budgetary frameworks while addressing an immediate funding need.
Case against: Requires significant external research to fully trace the origin and original intent of the funds being transferred, potentially obscuring the broader budgetary context for a casual reader.
Estimated impact: Allows for the continuation of up to $5,000,000 in federal wildland firefighter base salary increases and premium pay, preventing a potential lapse in compensation.