Press Releases

Yesterday, Representative Jack Bergman, along with other bipartisan members of Congress, met with visiting wildland firefighters to discuss the Wildland Firefighter Paycheck Protection Act.

If the temporary pay raise for federal wildland firefighters is allowed to expire on September 30th, wildland firefighters could see their pay cut by as much as 50% - likely leading to thousands of firefighters leaving the federal workforce.

To avoid this devastating pay cliff, Members are pushing for passage of the Wildland Firefighter Paycheck Protection Act, which would make the new pay structure permanent.

“Maintaining a strong federal firefighter workforce is critical - and if firefighters can’t support themselves and their families financially, we can’t expect them to support our communities through the often life-saving services they provide. Workforce retention is particularly important in the First District, as the U.P. and Northern Michigan are home to three National Forests: Ottawa, Hiawatha, and Huron-Manistee. This legislation, H.R. 5169, would effectively codify a higher pay scale, permanently increasing federal firefighter salaries and giving them the compensation they deserve,” said Rep. Jack Bergman.

“With wildfire seasons getting longer and more dangerous, wildland firefighters play an increasingly important role in keeping Arizonans safe. We should be supporting these brave men and women, but instead, they are being forced to work with the looming threat of a pay cut,” said Rep. Gallego. “It’s past time we pass legislation to protect their pay structure, and I am proud to lead this bipartisan group of members in bringing attention to this issue today.”

“Our wildland firefighters, who make incredible sacrifices everyday, are severely underpaid. If we do not make the pay raise from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law permanent, countless communities will see fewer first responders. Congress must act now and move the Wildland Firefighter Paycheck Protection Act across the finish line,” said Rep. Neguse.

“Wildland firefighters are the first line of defense for many across Southwest Washington, but their jobs are tough. They choose to spend their summers felling trees, digging lines, and sleeping in tents in sweltering heat. Their tireless self-sacrifice is an example to all of us, and it should continue to be honored through fair compensation,” said Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez. “With pay raises due to sunset in September, we could lose thousands of firefighters as they face a difficult choice of covering rent or continuing to serve their community. Congress needs to pass our bipartisan Wildland Firefighter Paycheck Protection Act to support our tireless wildland firefighters and protect the rural communities they help defend.”

“Federal Wildland Firefighters have been overlooked for too long. This workforce is hanging on by a thread and waiting on Congress to act. The National Federation of Federal Employees would like to thank all our friends in Congress that have signed onto H.R. 5169. Without pay reform we will lose this essential workforce along with natural resources, communities, and lives,” said Maximo Alonzo with the National Federation of Federal Employees.

Additional photos can be found HERE.