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HR 345

Fire Department Repayment Act of 2025

119th Congress Introduced by Judy Chu and 9 co-sponsors

HR 345 ensures local fire departments receive federal funds to repay costs from responding to disasters, supporting their readiness and emergency response capabilities.

Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
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Bill Summary · HR 345

Summary of HR 345: Fire Department Repayment Act of 2025

Purpose and Intent

The Fire Department Repayment Act of 2025 (HR 345) aims to establish a framework for the repayment of funds to fire departments that have incurred expenses related to emergency responses and disaster management. The bill seeks to ensure that local fire departments are financially supported, enabling them to maintain readiness and respond effectively to emergencies.

Key Provisions

  • Repayment Mechanism: The bill outlines a structured repayment plan for fire departments that have provided services during federally declared disasters. This includes reimbursement for costs associated with personnel, equipment, and other operational expenses.

  • Funding Allocation: It proposes the allocation of federal funds specifically designated for the repayment of these expenses, ensuring that fire departments are not financially burdened by their critical role in disaster response.

  • Eligibility Criteria: The bill establishes criteria for fire departments to qualify for repayment, which may include documentation of expenses and compliance with federal guidelines during disaster response efforts.

  • Oversight and Reporting: The legislation mandates regular reporting to Congress on the distribution of funds and the effectiveness of the repayment program, ensuring transparency and accountability.

Affected Parties

  • Local Fire Departments: The primary beneficiaries of this bill are local fire departments across the United States, particularly those that respond to federally declared disasters.

  • Federal Government: The bill involves various federal agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security, which will oversee the implementation of the repayment program.

  • Communities: Local communities will benefit indirectly as fire departments receive necessary funding to maintain their operations and readiness for emergencies.

Legislative Timeline

  • Introduced: January 13, 2025
  • Referred to Committees: The bill was referred to the Committee on Natural Resources and additional committees including Agriculture, Armed Services, and Science, Space, and Technology for consideration.
  • Subcommittee Review: On February 14, 2025, it was referred to the Subcommittee on Forestry and Horticulture.
  • Committee Actions: A mark-up session was held on July 23, 2025, where the bill was ordered to be reported (amended) by unanimous consent.

Sponsors

The bill is sponsored by Josh Harder and has several cosponsors, including:
- Chuck Edwards
- Young Kim
- Scott H. Peters
- Doug LaMalfa
- Jim Costa
- Emilia Strong Sykes
- Brian K. Fitzpatrick
- Kevin Mullin

Related Legislation

HR 345 has a companion bill, HR 1834, which may address similar issues or provide additional context to the proposed legislation.

This summary provides an overview of HR 345, highlighting its purpose, key provisions, affected parties, and legislative progress, making it accessible for readers seeking to understand the bill's implications.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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