H.R. 5963 · Where this bill is now
In committee
Introduced in the House, sent to the Committee on Agriculture, and in addition to the Committee on Natural Resources, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned, Nov 7, 2025
What this bill does
In plain words · AI-written from the official summarySimplifies federal funding for fire recovery projects
This bill lets the USDA skip certain rules when distributing federal money to help communities recover from wildfires. Specifically, the USDA can waive cost-sharing requirements—rules that normally require local partners to contribute their own money—for recovery projects after fires started by USDA management activities like controlled burns on National Forest land.
How it affects you
Communities and organizations recovering from wildfires caused by USDA forest management activities could receive federal recovery funds more easily, without having to match those funds with their own money. This mainly affects local governments, nonprofits, and others directly involved in wildfire recovery efforts in areas where the USDA manages national forests.
Read the official summary (Introduced in House, Nov 7, 2025)
Responsible Wildland Fire Recovery Act
This bill authorizes the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to waive certain requirements for matching federal funds in fire recovery projects. Specifically, USDA may waive cost-sharing requirements for projects responding to fires resulting from management activities (e.g., controlled burns) conducted by USDA on National Forest System land.
Written by AI (Claude) using only the official summary by the Congressional Research Service, the Library of Congress’s nonpartisan research staff. It can miss nuance, so check the official summary and the bill text for details.
1st SessionH. R. 5963
A BILL
Responsible Wildland Fire Recovery Act
Sponsor: Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez (D-NM-3) · Introduced Nov 7, 2025 · Public Lands and Natural Resources · 1 version of the text
Sources: Congress.gov actions and votes · bill text from GovInfo · latest official action Dec 2, 2025: “Referred to the Subcommittee on Forestry and Horticulture.”