Bill > HR5963

This bill provides a mechanism for fully funding recovery efforts for wildland fires that are directly caused by U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) management activities in National Forest System lands. Specifically, the bill allows the Secretary of Agriculture to waive any matching fund requirements for recovery projects related to these specific fires, ensuring that states, Indian tribes, localities, or individuals can receive 100% federal funding for remediation. The bill defines a "covered wildland fire" as any non-structure fire occurring in vegetation or natural fuels, including wildfires, prescribed fires, and damages that result in watershed impairment, where the fire can be directly attributed to USDA forest management activities. By removing cost-share barriers, the legislation aims to support comprehensive recovery efforts for communities and landowners affected by fires that stem from government forest management practices, providing a clear pathway for full federal assistance in restoration and rehabilitation efforts.