Wyden’s Wildfire Tax Proposal Stalls In The Senate

A proposal from Oregon Senator Ron Wyden, providing federal tax relief to victims of wildfires and natural disasters, was blocked last week in the Senate.  Wyden said this year’s devastating fire season highlights the need for his bill.

"Many have lost their homes, their livestock, their businesses and livelihoods," Wyden noted during a recent floor speech.  "When you lose your home in a wildfire, the last thing you should be worried about is being hit by a massive tax bill."

Americans who lose their home are taxed on the federal disaster payment they receive, under a tax bill passed in 2017.  It was suspended in 2024, but must be renewed this year.

"It’s going to get rid of a totally unfair tax on settlement payments, and ensure disaster victims can deduct losses after disasters," Wyden added.

Wyden’s porposal cleared the House this spring, but is stalled in the Senate under a procedural move by Texas Senator Ted Cruz.

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