ACERO Act

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Bill ID: 119/hr/390
Last Updated: April 3, 2026

Sponsored by

Rep. Fong, Vince [R-CA-20]

ID: F000480

Bill's Journey to Becoming a Law

Track this bill's progress through the legislative process

Latest Action

Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

February 24, 2026

Introduced

Committee Review

Floor Action

Passed House

Senate Review

📍 Current Status

Next: Both chambers must agree on the same version of the bill.

🎉

Passed Congress

🖊️

Presidential Action

⚖️

Became Law

📚 How does a bill become a law?

1. Introduction: A member of Congress introduces a bill in either the House or Senate.

2. Committee Review: The bill is sent to relevant committees for study, hearings, and revisions.

3. Floor Action: If approved by committee, the bill goes to the full chamber for debate and voting.

4. Other Chamber: If passed, the bill moves to the other chamber (House or Senate) for the same process.

5. Conference: If both chambers pass different versions, a conference committee reconciles the differences.

6. Presidential Action: The President can sign the bill into law, veto it, or take no action.

7. Became Law: If signed (or if Congress overrides a veto), the bill becomes law!

Bill Summary

Another bill, another exercise in futility. The ACERO Act, because what's a more pressing issue than wildfires? I mean, it's not like there are actual problems plaguing this country.

**Main Purpose & Objectives**

The main purpose of this bill is to utilize NASA-developed tools and technologies to improve aerial responses to wildfires. Wow, how original. Because clearly, the solution to every problem lies in throwing more technology at it. The objectives? Well, they're as vague as a politician's promise: "improve aerial responses," "enhance situational awareness," and "coordinate efforts." Yawn.

**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law**

The bill authorizes NASA to conduct research and development activities under the ACERO project (because who doesn't love an acronym?). It also establishes goals for this research, including developing advanced aircraft technologies, information sharing, and interoperable platforms. Oh, and it prohibits the procurement of unmanned aircraft systems manufactured by "covered foreign entities" (read: China). How quaint.

**Affected Parties & Stakeholders**

The usual suspects are involved: NASA, federal agencies, state and local governments, commercial partners, and academic institutions. Because when you're trying to solve a complex problem like wildfires, it's essential to have as many cooks in the kitchen as possible. And by "cooks," I mean bureaucrats and special interest groups.

**Potential Impact & Implications**

The impact of this bill will be negligible, at best. It's a Band-Aid on a bullet wound. Wildfires are a symptom of climate change, deforestation, and poor land management practices. This bill doesn't address any of those underlying issues; it just throws more money at the problem in the hopes that technology will magically solve everything.

The real implications? More pork-barrel spending, more bureaucratic red tape, and more opportunities for special interest groups to line their pockets with taxpayer dollars. And if you believe this bill will actually improve aerial responses to wildfires, I have a bridge to sell you.

Diagnosis: This bill is suffering from a severe case of " Politician-itis" – a disease characterized by the inability to address actual problems and instead opting for feel-good legislation that accomplishes nothing. Treatment? A healthy dose of skepticism and a strong stomach for the inevitable waste of taxpayer dollars.

Related Topics

Congressional Rules & Procedures Small Business & Entrepreneurship National Security & Intelligence Federal Budget & Appropriations Criminal Justice & Law Enforcement Transportation & Infrastructure State & Local Government Affairs Government Operations & Accountability Civil Rights & Liberties
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💰 Campaign Finance Network

Rep. Fong, Vince [R-CA-20]

Congress 119 • 2024 Election Cycle

Total Contributions
$69,300
17 donors
PACs
$0
Organizations
$3,300
Committees
$0
Individuals
$66,000

No PAC contributions found

1
TULE RIVER TRIBAL COUNCIL
1 transaction
$3,300

No committee contributions found

1
ROJEWSKI, COLE
2 transactions
$6,600
2
EKEGREN, JONATHAN
2 transactions
$6,600
3
HAYDE, MICHAEL K.
2 transactions
$6,600
4
KHOURI, LAURA A.
2 transactions
$6,600
5
ANDERSON, DARIUS
1 transaction
$3,300
6
LEPRINO, TERRY
1 transaction
$3,300
7
HUNTER, KEN
1 transaction
$3,300
8
BAND MIWOK INDIANS, SHINGLE SPRINGS
1 transaction
$3,300
9
MOJIBI, AMANDA
1 transaction
$3,300
10
MOJIBI, CYRUS
1 transaction
$3,300
11
BECK, PATRICK
1 transaction
$3,300
12
SINGH, MATAB
1 transaction
$3,300
13
LAZZERINI, JR., WILLIAM
1 transaction
$3,300
14
LAZZERINI, VICTORIA
1 transaction
$3,300
15
PANKEY, MONA
1 transaction
$3,300
16
PANKEY, PETE
1 transaction
$3,300

Cosponsors & Their Campaign Finance

This bill has 7 cosponsors. Below are their top campaign contributors.

Rep. McClellan, Jennifer L. [D-VA-4]

ID: M001227

Top Contributors

10

1
BARONA BAND OF MISSION INDIANS
Organization LAKESIDE, CA
$1,500
May 24, 2023
2
BARONA BAND OF MISSION INDIANS
Organization LAKESIDE, CA
$1,500
May 24, 2023
3
CHEROKEE NATION
Organization TAHLEQUAH, OK
$1,000
Dec 21, 2023
4
CHEROKEE NATION
Organization TAHLEQUAH, OK
$1,000
Dec 21, 2023
5
STARLEY LLC
Organization NORTH CHESTERFIELD, VA
$250
Oct 13, 2024
6
STARLEY LLC
Organization NORTH CHESTERFIELD, VA
$250
Oct 13, 2024
7
RICE, NANCY
LITTLE DIFFICULT RUN CONSULTANT
Individual VIENNA, VA
$6,600
Sep 23, 2024
8
RICE, NANCY
LITTLE DIFFICULT RUN CONSULTANT
Individual VIENNA, VA
$6,600
Sep 23, 2024
9
ABRAMSON, RONALD D
BUCHANAN INGERSOLL & ROONEY ATTORNEY
Individual WASHINGTON, DC
$3,300
Nov 15, 2023
10
FRIED, BARBARA J.
FRIED COMPANIES INC. REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT
Individual CROZET, VA
$3,300
Dec 19, 2023

Rep. Whitesides, George [D-CA-27]

ID: W000830

Top Contributors

10

1
SWING LEFT
CONDUIT TOTAL LISTED IN AGG. FIELD
PAC WASHINGTON, DC
$2,400
Nov 5, 2024
2
AMERIPAC: THE FUND FOR A GREATER AMERICA
CONDUIT TOTAL LISTED IN AGG. FIELD
PAC WASHINGTON, DC
$500
Oct 17, 2024
3
FEDERATED INDIANS OF GRATON RANCHERIA
Organization ROHNERT PARK, CA
$1,000
Aug 8, 2024
4
HARRIS, WILLIAM
MASS GENERAL HOSPITAL PHYSICIAN
Individual LEXINGTON, MA
$5,000
Jan 25, 2024
5
HARRIS, WILLIAM
Individual LEXINGTON, MA
$5,000
Feb 7, 2024
6
BAILEY, DAVID
KPPB LLP PATENT ATTORNEY
Individual LOS ANGELES, CA
$3,300
Oct 22, 2024
7
BIRMINGHAM, CYNTHIA
SELF EMPLOYED ATTORNEY
Individual SAN FRANCISCO, CA
$3,300
Oct 30, 2024
8
BROOKS, JAMES
GRACIE FILMS WRITER/DIRECTOR/PRODUCER
Individual LOS ANGELES, CA
$3,300
Oct 17, 2024
9
CLUBOK, ANDY
LATHAM & WATKINS LLP ATTORNEY
Individual WASHINGTON, DC
$3,300
Oct 30, 2024
10
DELANEY, QUINN
NOT EMPLOYED RETIRED
Individual PIEDMONT, CA
$3,300
Nov 9, 2024

Rep. Obernolte, Jay [R-CA-23]

ID: O000019

Top Contributors

10

1
PECHANGA BAND OF LUISENO INDIANS
Organization TEMECULA, CA
$3,300
Dec 18, 2023
2
AGUA CALIENTE BAND OF CAHUILLA INDIANS
Organization PALM SPRINGS, CA
$3,300
Nov 11, 2024
3
MORONGO BAND OF MISSION INDIANS
Organization BANNING, CA
$3,300
Mar 31, 2024
4
AGUA CALIENTE BAND OF CAHUILLA INDIANS
Organization PALM SPRINGS, CA
$3,300
Jun 6, 2023
5
MORONGO BAND OF MISSION INDIANS
Organization BANNING, CA
$3,300
Jun 20, 2023
6
SANTA YNEZ BAND OF MISSION INDIANS
Organization SANTA YNEZ, CA
$3,300
Jun 6, 2023
7
SYCUAN BAND OF THE KUMEYAAY NATION
Organization EL CAJON, CA
$3,300
Apr 14, 2023
8
SAN MANUEL BAND OF MISSION INDIANS
Organization LOS ANGELES, CA
$3,300
Sep 30, 2023
9
SYCUAN BAND OF THE KUMEYAAY NATION
Organization EL CAJON, CA
$3,300
Sep 16, 2024
10
SHINGLE SPRINGS BAND OF MIWOK INDIANS
Organization PLACERVILLE, CA
$2,000
Oct 24, 2023

Rep. Vindman, Eugene Simon [D-VA-7]

ID: V000138

Top Contributors

10

1
LUX FOR VIRGINIA
Organization LADYSMITH, VA
$500
Mar 29, 2024
2
LUX FOR VIRGINIA
Organization LADYSMITH, VA
$500
Mar 31, 2024
3
FORSTER-BURKE, DIANE
NOT EMPLOYED NOT EMPLOYED
Individual COTTONWOOD HEIGHTS, UT
$4,000
Apr 20, 2024
4
FORSTER-BURKE, DIANE
Individual COTTONWOOD HEIGHTS, UT
$4,000
May 5, 2024
5
VON STEIN, THOMSON
Individual ROCKVILLE, MD
$3,500
Aug 7, 2024
6
HULL, MEGAN
SELF ACTIVIST
Individual WASHINGTON, DC
$3,300
Nov 2, 2024
7
KAISER, GEORGE
GBK CORPORATION EXECUTIVE
Individual TULSA, OK
$3,300
Oct 25, 2024
8
PARSONS, KATHLEEN
NOT EMPLOYED NOT EMPLOYED
Individual POTOMAC, MD
$3,300
Oct 18, 2024
9
STAPLE, HARISE
SELF MD
Individual LOS ALTOS, CA
$3,300
Oct 18, 2024
10
HOLMES, LAURA
SELF REAL ESTATE INVESTOR
Individual BOCA RATON, FL
$3,300
Oct 22, 2024

Rep. Carbajal, Salud O. [D-CA-24]

ID: C001112

Top Contributors

10

1
PECHANGA BAND OF LUISENO INDIANS
Organization TEMECULA, CA
$3,300
Oct 18, 2023
2
SAN MANUEL BAND OF MISSION INDIANS
Organization HIGHLAND, CA
$3,300
Dec 18, 2023
3
AGUA CALIENTE BAND OF CAHUILLA INDIANS
Organization PALM SPRINGS, CA
$3,300
Jan 11, 2024
4
SANTA YNEZ BAND OF MISSION INDIANS
Organization SANTA YNEZ, CA
$3,300
Feb 24, 2023
5
SANTA YNEZ BAND OF MISSION INDIANS
Organization SANTA YNEZ, CA
$3,300
Feb 24, 2023
6
FEDERATED INDIANS OF GRATON RANCHERIA
Organization ROHNERT PARK, CA
$3,300
Jun 30, 2023
7
FEDERATED INDIANS OF GRATON RANCHERIA
Organization ROHNERT PARK, CA
$3,300
Jun 30, 2023
8
BARONA BAND OF MISSION INDIANS
Organization LAKESIDE, CA
$2,000
Jun 26, 2024
9
MORONGO BAND OF MISSION INDIANS
Organization BANNING, CA
$2,000
Sep 21, 2023
10
MS BAND OF CHOCTAW INDIANS
Organization CHOCTAW, MS
$1,500
Dec 19, 2023

Rep. Harder, Josh [D-CA-9]

ID: H001090

Top Contributors

10

1
SHAKOPEE MDEWAKANTON SIOUX COMMUNITY
Organization PRIOR LAKE, MN
$1,650
Jun 26, 2023
2
SHAKOPEE MDEWAKANTON SIOUX COMMUNITY
Organization PRIOR LAKE, MN
$1,650
Jun 18, 2024
3
CHICKASAW NATION
Organization ADA, OK
$1,000
Sep 30, 2023
4
SANTA YNEZ BAND OF MISSION INDIANS
Organization SANTA YNEZ, CA
$1,000
Oct 31, 2024
5
SANTA YNEZ BAND OF MISSION INDIANS
Organization SANTA YNEZ, CA
$1,000
Nov 7, 2024
6
MIRANDA, LAUREL
NOT EMPLOYED NOT EMPLOYED
Individual ATHERTON, CA
$6,600
Feb 7, 2023
7
ELSON, DAVID
UNITED STAFFING ASSOCIATES CEO
Individual LAS VEGAS, NV
$6,600
Aug 16, 2023
8
GOODMAN, COREY
VENBIO PARTNERS LLC LIFE SCIENCES VENTURE CAPITAL MANAGING
Individual MARSHALL, CA
$6,600
Aug 29, 2023
9
SCHMIDT, ERIC
HILLSPIRE LLC MANAGER
Individual PALO ALTO, CA
$6,600
Aug 16, 2023
10
BROWN, SHELLEY
NOT EMPLOYED NOT EMPLOYED
Individual LOS ALTOS HILLS, CA
$6,600
Aug 19, 2023

Rep. Neguse, Joe [D-CO-2]

ID: N000191

Top Contributors

10

1
AK-CHIN INDIAN COMMUNITY
Organization MARICOPA, AZ
$3,300
Mar 31, 2023
2
AK-CHIN INDIAN COMMUNITY
Organization MARICOPA, AZ
$2,500
Oct 13, 2024
3
YUROK TRIBE
Organization KLAMATH, CA
$1,000
Feb 1, 2023
4
SAN MANUEL BAND OF MISSION INDIANS
Organization LOS ANGELES, CA
$1,000
Jun 9, 2024
5
EKLUND, PAUL
Individual BOULDER, CO
$6,400
Oct 3, 2023
6
EKLUND, PAUL
P.N. EKLUND INTERESTS INC. REAL ESTATE
Individual BOULDER, CO
$6,400
Sep 30, 2023
7
KLARMAN, SETH
THE BAUPOST GROUP CEO
Individual BOSTON, MA
$3,300
Oct 18, 2024
8
GROSS, DAVID
UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO INSTRUCTOR
Individual BOULDER, CO
$3,300
Oct 31, 2024
9
WEAVER, LINDSAY
SELF ENGINEER
Individual PAGOSA SPRINGS, CO
$3,300
Oct 22, 2024
10
BLOOM, BRADLEY
BERKSHIRE PARTNERS LLC INVESTMENTS
Individual WELLESLEY, MA
$3,300
Oct 21, 2024

Donor Network - Rep. Fong, Vince [R-CA-20]

PACs
Organizations
Individuals
Politicians

Hub layout: Politicians in center, donors arranged by type in rings around them.

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Showing 34 nodes and 36 connections

Total contributions: $102,000

Top Donors - Rep. Fong, Vince [R-CA-20]

Showing top 17 donors by contribution amount

1 Org16 Individuals