FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: Matt Dorsey
(202) 550-6987
April 3, 2026
Washington, DC – Today, the National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE-IAM) proudly endorses the Support Our Firefighters Act (S. 4271), a bipartisan bill introduced by U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA) and Tim Sheehy (R-MT), co-chairs of the Senate Wildfire Caucus.
The legislation would require federal wildland firefighters to receive three days of paid rest and recuperation leave following a 14-day incident deployment, and four days of leave after a 21-day period. Allowing the workforce time to recover from demanding, hazardous assignments will enhance the safety of both firefighters and the communities they serve, while also supporting the recruitment and retention of skilled professional firefighters.
The bill also permanently lifts the annual pay cap on overtime, which includes base pay, overtime, and premium pay – a limitation that currently forces federal wildland firefighters to perform dangerous jobs without full compensation.
In 2021, NFFE worked with Senator Padilla to help federal wildland firefighters receive a 50% increase in base pay or a $20,000 raise. In 2025, NFFE, along with Senators Padilla and Sheehy, ensured the special pay rate was made permanent through the FY 2025 Continuing Resolution. This legislation is a continuation of those lengthy efforts to ensure federal wildland firefighters receive the pay and benefits they deserve.
“It is critical that our federal wildland firefighters have time to recover and are fairly compensated for the grueling work they do to protect American communities,” said NFFE National President Randy Erwin. “We are proud to support this legislation that would guarantee rest periods for the dedicated public servants on the front lines of the wildfire crisis, along with lifting overtime pay limitations for hours worked during deployments. Addressing both of these issues will help ensure the workforce is adequately equipped to carry out its mission. Thank you to Senators Padilla and Sheehy for their leadership in supporting federal wildland firefighters.”