Wildfire Response Modernization Act
Sponsored By: Representative Whitesides, George [D-CA-27]
Introduced
Summary
Brings commercial satellite data into wildfire response to protect military readiness and help civilian firefighting. It would have the Air Force's Commercial Space Office buy space-based commercial data and end products to support Department of Defense needs and U.S. Northern Command wildfire missions. The purchases would be coordinated with the National Guard's FireGuard program and may be shared with state, local, and Tribal governments.
Show full summary
- Military installations and readiness: Gives the Department of Defense and U.S. Northern Command faster access to commercial space imagery and products to protect bases and support emergency military assistance during wildfires.
- State, local, and Tribal firefighters: Allows sharing of procured data with civilian authorities to improve situational awareness and firefighting efforts.
- Commercial space providers: Opens a procurement channel through the Air Force's Commercial Space Office, potentially increasing demand for space-based data and services, subject to available appropriations.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Air Force buys wildfire satellite data
This bill would direct the Secretary of the Air Force to buy commercial satellite data and related products to help fight wildfires. The Air Force would act through its Commercial Space Office and coordinate with the National Guard FireGuard program and U.S. Northern Command. Buying and sharing the data would be subject to available appropriations. If enacted, the Secretary would be allowed to share the data with State, local, and Tribal governments to help firefighting, protect military bases, and provide emergency support.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Whitesides, George [D-CA-27]
CA • D
Cosponsors
Rep. Gooden, Lance [R-TX-5]
TX • R
Sponsored 6/29/2026
Rep. Garamendi, John [D-CA-8]
CA • D
Sponsored 6/29/2026
Rep. Carbajal, Salud O. [D-CA-24]
CA • D
Sponsored 6/29/2026
Rep. Crow, Jason [D-CO-6]
CO • D
Sponsored 6/29/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov