ACERO Act
Sponsor
Vince Fong
Republican · CA-20
Latest Action · Feb 24, 2026
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Bill Progress
House Pushes NASA Tech to Fight Wildfires
Why it matters
Wildfires are getting bigger and harder to control, demanding smarter tech fast.
The big picture: The ACERO Act (HR390) directs NASA to use its advanced research in aircraft tech and data sharing to make aerial firefighting faster and smarter. Wildfires are getting more destructive every year—as climate change worsens—and fire crews sometimes struggle to keep up, especially when coordinating planes, helicopters, and drones on chaotic frontlines.
Zoom in: The bill orders NASA to support multi-agency wildfire responses with better aircraft coordination, new data-sharing hubs, and interoperable platforms to keep every responder informed—down to the second. The act encourages tools that let local, state, and federal teams safely share airspace, reduce collisions, and quickly map fast-changing fire lines.
Between the lines: The move signals Congress recognizes how tech inefficiencies can slow emergency responses—and believes NASA is uniquely equipped to fix the problem. If passed, expect local firefighting teams to access more eyes in the sky, real-time maps, and a safer, more organized aerial attack.
What This Bill Does
NASA-Led Research
NASA will use its own emergency response and aircraft tech to research better ways to fight wildfires from the air.
Improved Aircraft Coordination
Pushes for high-tech systems to guide where planes and drones go during big wildfires, reducing risk of accidents.
Real-Time Information Sharing
Creates faster ways for all wildfire response teams to get and share up-to-the-second fire and asset data.
Interoperable Situation Maps
Develops systems where different agencies can all see and understand real-time maps of planes, helicopters, and drones in the fire zone.
Multi-Agency Frameworks
Supports a unified approach so federal, state, and local units coordinate fire response efficiently from the air.
Who Benefits
Wildland Firefighters
Gain safer, faster, and smarter information for fighting fires, with better support from aircraft.
Communities at Risk of Wildfire
Benefit from faster, more precise containment, reducing the risk to homes and lives.
Emergency Managers and Agencies
Get new tools to better coordinate and make high-pressure decisions using real-time aerial data.
Who's Affected
State and Local Fire Departments
Will have to learn and adopt new technology platforms for aerial wildfire response.
Federal Agencies
Must work closer with NASA and each other to unify response protocols and data systems.
Private Contractors in Firefighting Aviation
Potentially required to upgrade their systems and train staff for interoperability.
Taxpayers
Could see federal spending shifts as new technology rolls out, with hopes of long-term savings from quicker, safer wildfire management.
Cosponsors (7)
Recent Actions
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H2241)
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H2241)
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 390.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H2241-2242)
Mr. Babin moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
Committees (2)
Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee
Senate · Standing
Referred To · Feb 24, 2026
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