[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 117 (Thursday, August 2, 2012)]
[Senate]
[Page S5964]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           WILDFIRE SUPPRESSION AIRCRAFT TRANSFER ACT OF 2012

  Mr. McCAIN. Mr. President, as Members depart Capitol Hill for August 
recess, wildfires will be raging across much of the Nation perhaps in 
their home States. Over 1.3 million acres have burned this summer, and 
historic drought conditions will continue to fan the flames. Last year, 
my home State of Arizona experienced the largest wildfire in State 
history, the Wallow Fire, which consumed over 500,000 acres. This year 
has been particularly distressing for States like Colorado, where the 
Waldo Canyon Fire near Colorado Springs forced the evacuation of 
thousands of residents, destroyed more than 350 homes, threatened the 
U.S. Air Force Academy, and became the most expensive fire in that 
State's history. Currently, there are 29 large uncontained wildfire 
burning across the Nation, according to the National Interagency Fire 
Center.
  Wildfires like these underscore the urgent need to start modernizing 
our antiquated Forest Service airtanker fleet. Airtankers are a vital 
tool capable of rapidly altering the paths of major fires and providing 
immediate protection to ground personnel. Many of the core aircraft 
operated by the Forest Service are Korean-era DC-3s and P-2Vs that are 
rapidly failing. Just last month, a P-2V built in 1962 crashed in Utah, 
tragically killing the pilot and co-pilot. These are but a few examples 
in long list of terrible accidents where worn out aircraft are being 
operated far beyond their intended service lives, the perfect recipe 
for future accidents.
  That is why Senator Bill Nelson, Senator Dianne Feinstein, Senator 
Mike Johanns, and I have introduced S. 3441, the Wildfire Suppression 
Aircraft Transfer Act of 2012. Our bill would transfer fourteen excess 
C-27J aircraft from the U.S. Air Force to the Forest Service to help 
recapitalize their airtanker fleet. These are nearly-new aircraft that 
will greatly enhance the mission flexibility and lifespan of the Forest 
Service fleet. This legislation is supported by the Forest Service as 
well as certain stakeholder groups like the International Association 
of Fire Chiefs.
  My colleagues and I attempted to pass this legislation before the 
Senate adjourned for August recess. Regretfully, there are several 
members with an interest in keeping these aircraft operating who 
objected to our bill, even though the Pentagon wants to retire them. 
This is disappointing because our legislation would not interfere with 
the Congressional prerogative to approve or reject the Department of 
Defense force structure plan for Fiscal Year 2013. Clearly, there are 
differing opinions over divesting the C-27J, and I respect the right of 
Senators who want to address that issue in the context of the National 
Defense Authorization Act. Our legislation is intended as a post-
divestment authority to ensure that that the C-27J is put to good use 
fighting wildfires instead of being mothballed. Over the August recess, 
I hope to work with the Members who have objected to S. 3441 because I 
believe these platforms can be utilized to save lives and property.

                          ____________________