Bill · S. 2856· Senate(119-S-2856)
Wildfire Smoke Relief Act
- Introduced
- 9/18/2025
- Last activity
- 9/18/2025 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
- Sponsored by
- Ron Wyden
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Wildfire Smoke Relief Act authorizes transitional sheltering assistance for people living in areas with unhealthy air quality caused by wildfires. It defines specific groups at risk, such as low-income individuals, seniors, and those with chronic illnesses. The President would provide assistance to qualified entities to give these individuals smoke-inhalation prevention equipment. This equipment includes items like air filters, N95 respirators, and weather stripping. If equipment is not enough to reduce the risk of illness, the bill provides for cost-efficient transitional shelter assistance.
Yes· 3 of 32
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?+9
Directly targets low-income individuals (under 200% poverty level) for free equipment and shelter.
Would people over 65 be better off under this?+8
Specifically targets individuals 65 years of age or older for assistance.
Would people with disabilities be better off under this?+8
Provides essential aid for those with chronic respiratory or cardiovascular illnesses.
The opposite
Does this reduce what the federal government owes?-2
The bill authorizes additional federal spending for equipment and sheltering assistance.
Does this reduce what the federal government spends?-2
The bill authorizes new expenditures for smoke-inhalation prevention equipment and transitional shelter.
Does this make the government pay for what it commits to?-2
Increases federal spending obligations without specifying funding sources.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Access to Protective Equipment: Individuals at risk of wildfire smoke related illness can receive smoke-inhalation prevention equipment, such as portable air filtration units, face masks, and respirators, through qualified entities. (Section 2(b)(1))
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Home Protection Tools: The bill allows for the provision of low-cost equipment to keep smoke out of houses, including weather strips, ventilation equipment, and one portable air-conditioning unit per household. (Section 2(b)(1)(D))
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Emergency Housing: People at risk who cannot be protected by equipment alone may receive cost-efficient transitional shelter assistance. (Section 2(b)(2))
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Support for Vulnerable Groups: The bill specifically targets help toward low-income individuals, pregnant women, people 65 or older, and those with chronic respiratory or cardiovascular illnesses. (Section 2(a)(1))
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Low Income Households+9Good For People With Disabilities+8Good For Retirees+8Good For Seniors+8Good For Children+6Good For Rural Residents+6Good For Women+6Good For Farmers+4Good For African Americans+3Good For Hispanic Americans+3Good For Men+3Good For Middle Aged+3Good For Native Americans+3Good For Students+3Good For Veterans+3Good For Young Adults+3Good For Asian Americans+2Good For Immigrants+2Good For L G B T Q Community+2Good For Urban Residents+2Good For White Americans+2
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Disability Rights+4Improves Poverty Reduction+4Improves Affordable Housing+3Improves Racial Equity+2Reduces Homelessness+2
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Disaster Relief And F E M A+7Improves Environmental Protections+3Improves Rural Development+2
- Healthcare
- Improves Healthcare Access+5Reduces Hospital Costs+2
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Fiscal Responsibility-2Reduces Government Spending-2Reduces National Debt-2
- Governance And Ideology
- Increases Federal Power+2
- 9/18/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Jeff MerkleyDemocrat · Oregon