August 28, 2025

Issa bill to streamline hiring of firefighters passes in House committee

A

bill

authored by Rep. Darrell Issa in hopes of streamlining the hiring of federal firefighters on Tuesday cleared a House committee.

The Direct Hire to Fight Fires bill is intended to simplify the process of hiring firefighters.

“Today’s unacceptably slow hiring process means critical positions used to combat fires go unfilled and blazes burn that much longer,” Issa said in a news release. “We need this common-sense federal hiring process to bring this available resource where it is needed the most.”

The House Natural Resources Committee passed the bill. H.R. 435 awaits docketing for a full vote on the House floor.

Should the legislation pass Congress, the Department of Agriculture and the Department of the Interior would have permanent direct-hire capabilities for wildland firefighters and support positions for the Forest Service and Interior agencies.

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It also requires the USDA and Interior to annually report related data to Congress, including the number of firefighters needed for the coming year, the number of firefighting vacancies in each state and existing barriers to filling such vacancies.

The bill was

heard during a prior session

of Congress, in 2023-24.



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Kathryn Roebuck

Kathryn Roebuck is an experienced journalist specializing in crime news, finance, and U.S. current affairs. With a keen eye for detail and a commitment to delivering clear, accurate reporting, Kathryn provides insightful coverage that keeps readers informed about the issues that matter most. Her expertise spans complex financial topics, breaking crime stories, and in-depth analysis of national news trends, making her a trusted voice for audiences seeking reliable and engaging news. Based in the United States, Kathryn combines thorough research with compelling storytelling to bring clarity and context to today's fast-paced news landscape.

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