Bill would let tribes request FEMA fire assistance directly

A bipartisan bill reintroduced in the U.S. Senate would allow tribal governments to request Fire Management Assistance Grant declarations directly from FEMA, bypassing state approval. Lawmakers say the change would streamline wildfire response and uphold tribal sovereignty. Tribes currently face barriers in accessing federal fire disaster aid, despite being disproportionately affected by wildfires. The bill is backed by tribal organizations and awaits review by the Senate Committee on Homeland Security.