Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 390, the ACERO Act, sponsored by Representatives Fong and McClellan. This important, bipartisan legislation will enhance our ability to respond to wildfires and mitigate the destruction that they cause. Each year, wildfires burn millions of acres, threatening lives, destroying homes, and causing billions of dollars in damage. Federal agencies are increasingly turning to advanced technologies to improve wildfire detection, response, and suppression efforts.
H.R. 390: ACERO Act
Introduced Jan 14, 20257 cosponsors
Sponsor
Vince Fong
Republican · CA-20
Bill Progress
IntroducedJan 14
Committee
Pass HouseFeb 23
Pass Senate
Signed
Law
Latest Action · Feb 24, 2026
1/3
Passed the House, received in Senate
House Pushes NASA Tech to Fight Wildfires
2 min readLast updated February 27, 2026
Why it matters
Wildfires are getting bigger and harder to control, demanding smarter tech fast.
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.
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.
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 does H.R. 390 do?
1
NASA-Led Research
NASA will use its own emergency response and aircraft tech to research better ways to fight wildfires from the air.
2
Improved Aircraft Coordination
Pushes for high-tech systems to guide where planes and drones go during big wildfires, reducing risk of accidents.
3
Real-Time Information Sharing
Creates faster ways for all wildfire response teams to get and share up-to-the-second fire and asset data.
4
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.
5
Multi-Agency Frameworks
Supports a unified approach so federal, state, and local units coordinate fire response efficiently from the air.
Who benefits from H.R. 390?
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 is affected by H.R. 390?
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.
On the Record
What Congress Is Saying
H.R. 390 has come up 12 times in the Congressional Record so far.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 390, the Advanced Capabilities for Emergency Response Operations Act, or ACERO Act. Destructive wildfires threaten human lives and communities around the country. Just over 1 year ago, the devastating Eaton and Palisades fires in southern California killed 31 people and caused tens of billions of dollars in damage. In 2025, the U.S. experienced nearly 78,000 wildfires that burned more than 5 million acres. One tool we can use to prevent, mitigate, and respond to wildfires is aviation. Crewed aircraft have long been used to monitor and fight fires.
H.R. 390 also appeared in 4 routine cosponsor filings.
HR390 Legislative Journey
Committee Action
Feb 24, 2026
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
House: Vote Held
Feb 23, 2026
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H2241)
House: Committee Action
Feb 20, 2026
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. H. Rept. 119-501.
House: Vote: 34-0
Jun 11, 2025
Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by the Yeas and Nays: 34 - 0.
House: Committee Action
Jan 14, 2025
Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
About the Sponsor
Vince Fong
Republican, California's 20th congressional district · 2 years in Congress
Committees: Science, Space, and Technology, Homeland Security, Transportation and Infrastructure
View full profile →
Cosponsors (7)
No new cosponsors in 110 days — momentum stalled
This bill has 7 cosponsors: 6 Democrats, 1 Republican, reflecting bipartisan support. Cosponsors represent 3 states: California, Colorado, Virginia.
6Democrats1Republican·3 statesBipartisan
Committee Sponsors
Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee
13D15R
|0 signed28 not yet0 of 28 committee members cosponsored
No committee members have cosponsored this bill
Science, Space, and Technology Committee
17D20R
|2 signed35 not yet2 of 37 committee members cosponsored
34 Republicans across these committees haven't cosponsored yet. Mobilize their constituents
H.R. 390 Quick Facts
Cosponsors
7
- Committee
- Commerce, Science, and Transportation
- Chamber
- House
- Policy
- Science, Technology, Communications
- Introduced
- Jan 14, 2025
Passed the House, received in Senate
Feb 24, 2026
Official Sources
H.R. 390 on Congress.gov
Official bill page with full text, actions timeline, cosponsors, and status for the ACERO Act (Advanced Capabilities for Emergency Response Operations Act).
NASA ACERO Wildfire Project
NASA Ames Research Center page on the ACERO project — the drone and aviation technology program this bill codifies into law for wildland fire aerial response.
NASA Demonstrates Wildland Fire Airspace Management System
Details NASA's March 2025 field test of the Portable Airspace Management System (PAMS) in California, the type of technology HR 390 directs NASA to develop for wildfire response.
H. Rept. 119-501 — Committee Report
House Science, Space, and Technology Committee report recommending passage of HR 390, with amendments. Reported favorably 34-0.
House Science, Space, and Technology Committee — ACERO Act
Committee page for HR 390 with bill summary and legislative background from the committee of jurisdiction.
49 U.S.C. § 44801 — Unmanned Aircraft System Definitions
Legal definitions referenced by the ACERO Act, including 'unmanned aircraft system' — the drones and associated components the bill regulates for wildfire response.
NDAA FY2024 § 1822 — Covered Foreign Entity Definition (41 USC Ch. 39)
Definition of 'covered foreign entity' from Public Law 118-31 (NDAA FY2024), which the ACERO Act uses to ban procurement of drones from entities linked to China or other adversaries.
Rep. Fong Press Release — House Passes ACERO Act
Sponsor's official press release from February 23, 2026 announcing unanimous House passage of the ACERO Act.
H.R. 390 Common Questions
Can NASA use drones made by covered foreign entities for wildfire response under the ACERO Act?
Generally no. Under the ACERO Act (Sec. 2(d)), NASA may not procure an unmanned aircraft system made or assembled by a covered foreign entity for these activities, unless it grants a case-by-case waiver.
How long does NASA have to notify Congress after waiving the foreign drone ban in the ACERO Act?
NASA must notify the relevant House and Senate committees within 30 days after making the waiver determination, according to H.R. 390 Sec. 2(d).
When is the first NASA report due under the ACERO Act?
The first annual report is due no later than one year after enactment under the ACERO Act (Sec. 2(e)).
When does the final ACERO Act report to Congress have to be submitted?
The final report must be submitted by December 31, 2030, according to H.R. 390 Sec. 2(e).
What agencies can work with NASA on wildfire technology under the ACERO Act?
NASA may collaborate with Federal, State, and local agencies, regional organizations, commercial partners, and academic institutions under the ACERO Act (Sec. 2(c)).
Does the ACERO Act require NASA to avoid duplicating other federal wildfire work?
Yes. Under the ACERO Act (Sec. 2(c)), NASA must consult with other federal departments and agencies to avoid duplication as much as practicable.
Can the ACERO Act create a shared real-time map of planes, helicopters, and drones fighting wildfires?
Yes. The ACERO Act directs NASA to develop an interoperable platform for situational awareness of aerial assets, including real-time data sharing (Sec. 2(b)).
Does the ACERO Act cover airspace deconfliction for wildfire aircraft?
Yes. Under the ACERO Act (Sec. 2(b)), NASA's R&D must address airspace management, deconfliction, and coordination of aerial assets in wildfire response.
What kind of wildfire response work is NASA required to do under the ACERO Act?
NASA must leverage NASA-developed tools and technologies through the ACERO project, or successor projects, to improve aerial wildfire response under H.R. 390 Sec. 2(a).
Can NASA waive the foreign drone restriction for wildfire response under the ACERO Act?
Yes, case by case. Under the ACERO Act (Sec. 2(d)), a waiver is allowed if it's in the national interest or necessary solely to improve aerial wildfire response.
Based on H.R. 390 bill text
H.R. 390 Bill Text
“To utilize the Advanced Capabilities for Emergency Response to Operations project of NASA to improve aerial responses to wildfires, and for other purposes.”
Source: U.S. Government Publishing Office
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