[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 187 (Tuesday, December 17, 2024)]
[House]
[Pages H7288-H7290]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
FIRE DEPARTMENT REPAYMENT ACT OF 2023
Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the
bill (H.R. 3396) to require the standardization of reciprocal fire
suppression cost share agreements, and for other purposes, as amended.
The Clerk read the title of the bill.
The text of the bill is as follows:
H.R. 3396
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Fire Department Repayment
Act of 2023''.
SEC. 2. REQUIREMENTS RELATING TO CERTAIN FIRE SUPPRESSION
COST SHARE AGREEMENTS.
(a) Establishment of Standard Operating Procedures.--Not
later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this
section, the Secretaries shall--
(1) establish standard operating procedures relating to
payment timelines for fire suppression cost share agreements
established under the Act of May 27, 1955 (42 U.S.C. 1856a)
(commonly known as the ``Reciprocal Fire Protection Act'');
and
(2) with respect to each fire suppression cost share
agreement in operation on such date--
(A) review each such agreement; and
(B) modify each agreement as necessary to comply with the
standard operating procedures required under paragraph (1).
(b) Alignment of Fire Suppression Cost Share Agreements
With Cooperative Fire Protection Agreements.--The standard
operating procedures required under subsection (a)(1) shall
include a requirement that each fire suppression cost share
agreement be aligned with each of the cooperative fire
protection agreements applicable to the entity subject to
such fire suppression cost share agreement.
(c) Payments Pursuant to Cost Share Agreements.--With
respect to payments made pursuant to fire suppression cost
share agreements, the standard operating procedures required
under subsection (a)(1) shall require that the Federal paying
entity reimburse a local fire department if such fire
department submits an invoice in accordance with cost
settlement procedures.
(d) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that
the Secretaries should carry out reciprocal fire suppression
cost share agreement repayments to local fire suppression
organizations as soon as practicable after fire suppression
occurs but not later than 1 year after fire suppression
occurs.
(e) Secretaries Defined.--In this section, the term
``Secretaries'' means--
[[Page H7289]]
(1) the Secretary of Agriculture;
(2) the Secretary of the Interior;
(3) the Secretary of Homeland Security; and
(4) the Secretary of Defense.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from
Arkansas (Mr. Westerman) and the gentleman from California (Mr.
Huffman) each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Arkansas.
General Leave
Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members
may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and
include extraneous material on H.R. 3396, the bill now under
consideration.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from Arkansas?
There was no objection.
Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3396, the Fire
Department Repayment Act. This is a bipartisan bill sponsored by
Representative Harder alongside Representatives Curtis and LaMalfa.
H.R. 3396 would standardize cost-share agreements between the Federal
Government and local fire departments to ensure safe and local
firefighting partners are fairly and quickly compensated for fighting
wildfires on Federal lands.
Because wildfires do not heed administrative boundaries, various
State, Tribal, local, and private firefighting resources respond
jointly to wildfires throughout the Nation. The costs expended by these
resources are then reimbursed under preexisting arrangements known as
reciprocal fire suppression cost-share agreements. These agreements
enable firefighting entities to access resources and assistance from
neighboring jurisdictions during large fires on Federal lands.
Unfortunately, the current reimbursement process is flawed. Payments
are often delayed, imposing financial burdens on local fire departments
and reducing their ability to respond to other emergencies.
The Fire Department Repayment Act addresses these challenges by
establishing uniform reimbursement timelines for fire suppression cost-
share agreements. This legislation would ensure local fire departments
are paid promptly while still allowing the Federal Government to
dispute any inaccurate invoices.
This is a good bill that would improve the reimbursement process for
coordinated firefighting efforts. It thus takes a critical step toward
strengthening shared resources and cross-boundary firefighting.
Mr. Speaker, I support the bill, and I reserve the balance of my
time.
House of Representatives,
Committee on Science, Space, and Technology,
Washington, DC, December 10, 2024.
Hon. Bruce Westerman,
Chair, Committee on Natural Resources,
Washington, DC.
Dear Chair Westerman: H.R. 3396, the ``Fire Department
Repayment Act of 2023'', was referred primarily to the
Committee on Natural Resources, with an additional referral
to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
H.R. 3396 contains provisions within the Committee on
Science, Space, and Technology's Rule X jurisdiction. As a
result of your having consulted with the Committee and to
expedite this bill for floor consideration, the Committee on
Science, Space, and Technology will forego action on the
bill. This is being done based on our mutual understanding
that doing so will in no way diminish or alter the
jurisdiction of the Committee on Science, Space, and
Technology with respect to the appointment of conferees, or
to any future jurisdictional claim over the subject matters
contained in the bill or similar legislation.
I would appreciate your response to this letter confirming
this understanding and request that you include a copy of
this letter and your response in the committee report or in
the Congressional Record during the floor consideration of
this bill. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.
Sincerely,
Frank D. Lucas,
Chairman.
____
House of Representatives,
Committee on Natural Resources,
Washington, DC, December 10, 2024.
Hon. Frank D. Lucas,
Chairman, Committee on Science, Space, and Technology,
Washington, DC.
Dear Mr. Chairman: I write regarding H.R. 3396, the ``Fire
Department Repayment Act of 2023,'' which was ordered
reported by the Committee on Natural Resources on December 6,
2023.
I recognize that the bill contains provisions that fall
within the jurisdiction of the Committee on Science, Space,
and Technology and appreciate your willingness to forgo
further consideration of the bill. I acknowledge that the
Committee on Science, Space, and Technology will not formally
consider H.R. 3396 and agree that the inaction of your
Committee with respect to the bill does not waive any
jurisdiction over the subject matter contained therein.
I am pleased to support your request to name members of the
Committee on Science, Space, and Technology to any conference
committee to consider such provisions. I will ensure that our
exchange of letters is included in the Congressional Record
during floor consideration of the bill. I appreciate your
cooperation regarding this legislation.
Sincerely,
Bruce Westerman,
Chairman, Committee on Natural Resources.
____
House of Representatives,
Committee on Agriculture,
Washington, DC, December 10, 2024.
Hon. Bruce Westerman,
Chairman, Committee on Natural Resources,
Washington, DC.
Dear Mr. Chairman: This letter confirms our mutual
understanding regarding H.R. 3396, the ``Fire Department
Repayment Act of 2023''. Thank you for collaborating with the
Committee on Agriculture on the matters within our
jurisdiction.
The Committee on Agriculture will forego any further
consideration of this bill. However, by foregoing
consideration at this time, we do not waive any jurisdiction
over any subject matter contained in this or similar
legislation. The Committee on Agriculture also reserves the
right to seek appointment of an appropriate number of
conferees should it become necessary and ask that you support
such a request.
We would appreciate a response to this letter confirming
this understanding with respect to H.R. 3396 and request a
copy of our letters on this matter be published in the
Congressional Record during Floor consideration.
Sincerely,
Glenn ``GT'' Thompson,
Chairman.
____
House of Representatives,
Committee on Natural Resources,
Washington, DC, December 10, 2024.
Hon. Glenn ``GT'' Thompson,
Chairman, Committee on Agriculture,
Washington, DC.
Dear Mr. Chairman: I write regarding H.R. 3396, the ``Fire
Department Repayment Act of 2023,'' which was ordered
reported by the Committee on Natural Resources on December 6,
2023.
I recognize that the bill contains provisions that fall
within the jurisdiction of the Committee on Agriculture and
appreciate your willingness to forgo further consideration of
the bill. I acknowledge that the Committee on Agriculture
will not formally consider H.R. 3396 and agree that the
inaction of your Committee with respect to the bill does not
waive any jurisdiction over the subject matter contained
therein.
I am pleased to support your request to name members of the
Committee on Agriculture to any conference committee to
consider such provisions. I will ensure that our exchange of
letters is included in the Congressional Record during floor
consideration of the bill. I appreciate your cooperation
regarding this legislation.
Sincerely,
Bruce Westerman,
Chairman, Committee on Natural Resources.
____
House of Representatives,
Committee on Armed Services,
Washington, DC, December 16, 2024.
Hon. Bruce Westerman,
Chairman, Committee on Natural Resources,
Washington, DC.
Dear Chairman Westerman: I write concerning H.R. 3396, the
Fire Department Repayment Act of 2023 by Representative
Harder. As a result of your having consulted with us on
provisions within H.R. 3396 that fall within the Rule X
jurisdiction of the Committee on Armed Services, I agree to
forego any further consideration of this resolution so that
it may proceed expeditiously to the House floor for
consideration.
The Committee on Armed Services takes this action with our
mutual understanding that by foregoing consideration of H.R.
3396 at this time, we do not waive any jurisdiction over
subject matter contained in this or similar legislation and
that our committee will be appropriately consulted and
involved as this resolution or similar legislation moves
forward so that we may address any remaining issues in our
jurisdiction.
This legislation contains provisions that may require
further modification prior to final consideration to ensure
the support of the House Committee on Armed Services.
Finally, I ask that a copy of our exchange of letters on
this matter be included by House Committee on Natural
Resources in the Congressional Record during floor
consideration, to memorialize our understanding. Thank you
for the cooperative spirit in which you have worked regarding
[[Page H7290]]
this matter and others between our respective committees.
Sincerely,
Michael D. Rogers,
Chairman.
____
House of Representatives,
Committee on Natural Resources,
Washington, DC, December 16, 2024.
Hon. Mike Rogers,
Chairman, Committee on Armed Services,
Washington, DC.
Dear Mr. Chairman: I write regarding H.R. 3396, the ``Fire
Department Repayment Act of 2023,'' which was ordered
reported by the Committee on Natural Resources on December 6,
2023.
I recognize that the bill contains provisions that fall
within the jurisdiction of the Committee on Armed Services
and appreciate your willingness to forgo further
consideration of the bill. I acknowledge that the Committee
on Armed Services will not formally consider H.R. 3396 and
agree that the inaction of your Committee with respect to the
bill does not waive any jurisdiction over the subject matter
contained therein.
I will ensure that your committee will be appropriately
consulted and involved as this resolution or similar
legislation moves forward so that you may address any
remaining issues in your jurisdiction. I will ensure that our
exchange of letters is included in the Congressional Record
during floor consideration of the bill. I appreciate your
cooperation regarding this legislation.
Sincerely,
Bruce Westerman,
Chairman.
Mr. HUFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this Fire Department Repayment Act
introduced by my colleague from California, Representative Josh Harder.
The bill would require the Secretaries of Agriculture, Interior,
Homeland Security, and Defense to establish standard operating
procedures for fire suppression cost-share agreements under the
Reciprocal Fire Protection Act.
With the increasing threat of climate change and with wildfires
becoming more rampant, it is critical that our local and State fire
organizations are supported and continue to receive the resources that
they need to fight wildfires.
That is why this bill would enable local and State fire departments
to maintain their readiness and effectiveness by establishing standard
operating procedures to expedite the process for reviewing and
modifying existing fire suppression cost agreements to align with
cooperative fire protection agreements.
Furthermore, the bill would require the Secretaries to complete
second-level reviews of a fire suppression cost-share agreement
following containment of a wildfire in consultation with State and
local fire suppression organizations.
The establishment of standard operating procedures is a necessary
step toward ensuring quicker and more efficient reviews so that local
and State fire departments receive Federal reimbursements in a more
timely manner.
As fire seasons continue to increase in frequency and severity,
Congress needs to do everything we can to support our local and State
fire departments and their firefighters.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this
legislation, and I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers, and I am
prepared to close. I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. HUFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the
gentleman from California (Mr. Harder), who is the author of this
important bill.
Mr. HARDER of California. Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Huffman for
yielding.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of my bill, the Fire Department
Repayment Act. This legislation cuts red tape and fixes the burdensome
fire department repayment system to ensure our local departments are
repaid quickly for their work to keep our communities safe.
As you know, Mr. Speaker, the wildfire crisis is getting longer and
more intense every year. Sixty thousand communities in the United
States are at risk for wildland fires in newly populated, recently
developed areas that border fire-prone fields and forests.
My home State of California is on the front lines of this crisis with
the most neighborhoods threatened by wildfires.
When a wildfire breaks out on Federal lands, our local firefighters
are often the first on the scene, braving hazardous conditions to put
out these blazes and protect nearby homes, families, and communities.
Local fire departments deploy personnel, use fire engines, and spend
thousands of dollars' worth of time and resources to fight fires on
Federal lands.
Yet, the bureaucratic Federal reimbursement process is slow and
covered in red tape. It often takes years for small fire departments to
be repaid for their assistance on these fires.
In my own district, fire departments have waited years and years for
repayment from Federal agencies. That has drained their budgets and
restrained their resources to combat the fires that we are fighting
just this year.
That is unacceptable. Our government must work better for the heroes
who put their lives on the line to keep our families safe.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to pass this bill to ensure our
local fire departments are paid back quickly so they have the tools
they need to protect our communities from the next fire. I also thank
my colleagues, Mr. Curtis and Mr. LaMalfa, for their tireless
leadership and support of this important bill.
Mr. HUFFMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, in closing, this is a commonsense,
bipartisan bill that would benefit our local fire departments and
improve our response to wildfires nationwide.
Mr. Speaker, I urge adoption of this bill, and I yield back the
balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Westerman) that the House suspend the
rules and pass the bill, H.R. 3396, as amended.
The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the
rules were suspended and the bill, as amended, was passed.
A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
____________________