We are at the forefront of efforts in Washington, D.C., championing the cause of fire survivors by organizing federal advocacy delegations focused on resiliency, recovery, and the improvement of public policy. Led by our CEO, Jennifer Gray Thompson, who serves on the Bipartisan Policy Center's Disaster Response Reform Task Force, we actively make recommendations to Congress to ensure the voices of fire survivors are heard and acted upon.
Recent Bill
H.R. 5863
The Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act (H.R. 5863) protects wildfire victims by excluding liability compensation from taxable income if payments cover damages, expenses, or losses during a Federally declared wildfire disaster. This ensures wildfire victims aren't burdened with unexpected tax bills or disqualified from critical benefits like Medicaid or VA assistance.
After the Fire USA raised this issue with Congressman Mike Thompson (D-Napa) in October 2021. Since then, we’ve organized numerous delegations to Washington, D.C., advocating tirelessly for this legislation.
The journey included setbacks, such as the failure of H.R. 7035, but we persisted. In 2024, the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act passed the House (357-70) on January 31, led by Congressman Greg Steube (R-Fla). On December 4, 2024, H.R. 5863 passed the Senate under Unanimous Consent, championed by Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA) and Senator Ron Wyden (D-Oregon).
This victory represents the power of advocacy and the resilience of fire survivors.
Thank you to all the delegates who made virtual and in-person trips for this bill:
- Allison James, Town of Superior, Boulder County, Colorado–Marshall Fire (2021)
- Belia Ramos, County of Napa, Board of Supervisor, Chairwoman–North Bay Fires (2017, 2020)
- Bradley Sherwood, Wildfire Leader, Tubbs Fire Survivor, Founder Larkfield Resiliency)–Tubbs Fire (2017)
- Brent Woodworth, Los Angeles Emergency Preparedness Foundation–Woolsey Fire (2019)
- Casey Taylor, Founder and Superintendent, Achieve Charter Schools of Paradise– Camp Fire (2018)
- Jeff Okrepkie, Founder, Coffey Strong, Tubbs Fire Leader & Survivor, Santa Rosa City Council–TubbsFire (2017)
- Jenn Kaaoush, Founder & Co-Director, Superior Rising, Marshall Fire Leader & Survivor, Town of SuperiorTrustee–Marshall Fire (2021)
- Jennifer Gray Thompson, CEO, After the Fire USA–North Bay Fires (2015, 2017, 2019, 2020)
- Kat Merrick, Founder & Executive Director, The Local Love Project–Thomas Fire(2017/18) + WoolseyFire (2019)
- Kevin Goss, Plumas County Supervisor–Dixie Fire (2021)
- Neal Shah, Founder, Superior Rising, Town of Superior Mayor Pro-Tem–Marshall Fire (2021)
- Reno Franklin, After the Fire USA Board (FRMR), Tribal Chairman, Kashia Band of Pomo Indians – North Bay Fires (2015, 2017, 2019, 2020)
- Rosa Brandt, Program Manager, After the Fire USA
- Steve Crowder, Camp Fire Survivor, City of Paradise Council Member–Camp Fire (2018)
- Will Abrams, Tubbs Fire Leader & Survivor–Tubbs Fire (2017)
Thank you to the offices we met with over the past few years:
- Rep. Adam Smith Office (MO-8)Rep.
- Brittany Pettersen Office (D-CO)
- Rep. Ken Calvert Office (CA-41)
- Rep. Darrell Issa Office (CA-48)
- Rep. David Joyce (OH-14)
- Rep. David Valadao Office (R-CA)
- Rep. Doug LaMalfa Office (R-CA)
- Rep. Doug Lamborn Office (CO-05)
- Rep. Jared Huffman Office (D-CA)
- Rep. Jay Obernolte Office (CA-23)
- Rep. Joe Neguse Office (D-CO)
- Rep. Julia Brownley Office (D-CA)
- Rep. Jill Tokuda Office (D-HI)
- Rep. Katherine Clark (D-MA)
- Rep. Ken Clark Office (D-MA)
- Rep. Kevin Kiley Office (CA-03)
- Rep. Mike Thompson Office (D-CA)
- Rep. Scalise (R) Louisiana
- Rep. Young Kim Office (CA-40)
- Senator Alex Padilla Office (D-CA)
- Senator Bennet (D-CO)
- Senator Blackburn Office (R-TN)
- Senator Britt Office (R-AL)
- Senator Butler Office (D-CA)
- Senator Cassidy Office (R-LA)
- Senator Cornyn Office (R-TX)
- Senator Cruz Office (R-TX)
- Senator Daines Office (R-MT)
- Senator Dianne Feinstein Office (D-CA)
- Senator Hickenlooper Office (D-CO)
- Senator Hirono (D-HI)
- Senator Hyde-Smith Office (R-MS)
- Senator Kelly Office (D-AZ)
- Senator Kennedy (R-LA)
- Senator Hirono (D-HI)
- Senator Schatz (D-HI)
- Senator Schumer (D-NY)
- Senator Vance (R-OH)
- Senator Wyden Office (D-OR)
- Senate Finance staff (D)
- Senate Finance staff (R)
- U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation
- House Committee on Ways & Means
- Speaker Kevin McCarthy
- Ways & Means Chairman
In the News
US Senate passes long-awaited tax relief for fire victims
Story by The Press Democrat. “This is a huge moment of justice for disaster survivors, said Jennifer Gray Thompson, CEO of After The Fire USA, a key advocate for the legislation. “The direct impact on people’s lives is so profound” she said. “It was a massive group effort. We all did our part.” …
Disaster relief advocate calls for ‘urgency’ in Congress over tax relief legislation
Story by NBC News, Meet the Press. With just a few weeks remaining in the current session of Congress, After the Fire USA CEO Jennifer Gray Thompson joins Meet the Press NOW to discuss why it’s so critical for the Senate to pass federal disaster tax relief legislation before the end of the year.
Hurricane Milton victims could get more generous tax breaks. Senators just need to vote for them.
Story by msn. “I absolutely think Helene should put pressure [on lawmakers to pass the bill],” said Jennifer Gray Thompson, founder and CEO of After the Fire USA, an organization that has helped communities navigate recovery efforts after catastrophic fires. “It can deliver more relief to more people who have already lost everything.” Months…
