I would like to do that.

We would like to thank Senator Udall and Senator Risch for their work on this important legislation.

So making good neighbor authorities permanent is crucial as well.

There are certainly those who would suggest there is a difference between timber harvesting and fuel reduction.

This bipartisan bill will provide additional tools and resources to the Forest Service and, to a lesser degree, to the Bureau of Land Management.

Those are excellent.

Thank you, Senator Risch.

I understand wanting to hew closely to what you think the intent of the law was.

Us westerners hang together, whether we are Rocky Mountain westerners or we are far westerners like Senator Wyden.

The purpose of today's hearing is to receive testimony on several bills pending before the subcommittee.

This epidemic is creating serious concerns in our communities regarding our forested regions, the recreational economies of these areas, and water supplies.

We urge the Senate Energy & Natural Resources Committee to advance this legislation as soon as possible.

Wouldn't the fuels treatment perhaps reduce that severity effect?

I feel like the folks I represent want action right now, and I really think that, Chairman, your bill and Senator Risch's bill would really help achieve what we are missing at the Federal level, and that is really a long-term approach.

This sort of threat is akin to an emergency like any other natural phenomenon, and I believe we need to treat it as such.

I think making stewardship contracts permanent is very positive.

I was going to follow up, but I don't want to cut you off.

I think Senator Risch and I will continue to probe your summaries and your conclusions.