Reid Announces Support for Bipartisan Wildfire Disaster Funding Act

Press Release

Nevada Senator Harry Reid today announced his support for the bipartisan Wildfire Disaster Funding Act, a bill introduced by Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Senator Mike Crapo (R-ID). The Wildfire Disaster Funding Act would allow the federal agencies responsible for fighting wildland fire--the Department of Interior (DOI) and the Department of Agriculture (USDA)--to treat fire suppression of the most severe fires; fires in urban areas; and fires that require emergency response, as extraordinary costs to be funded through a "Wildfire Suppression Cap Adjustment." This means that DOI and USDA would have access to an emergency fund similar to what FEMA is allowed to use for natural disasters that exceed their annual budget such as tornados, earthquakes or hurricanes. This would allow our federal land managers to appropriately plan and use their other budgets for their intended purposes, such as fire prevention or restoration.

"Wildfire season is upon us and with the severe drought conditions in the western United States, we must do everything possible to prevent wildfires," said Senator Harry Reid. "But once a fire has begun, it is just as vital that we avert the fire from spreading and focus on fire suppression. This legislation would treat wildfires like other natural disasters and allow those agencies responsible for fighting the fires to do their jobs."

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