Bruce Westerman: “A poet named Joyce Kilmer wrote his most famous poem called ``Trees,'' and it begins with, ``I think that I shall never…”

“A poet named Joyce Kilmer wrote his most famous poem called ``Trees,'' and it begins with, ``I think that I shall never see a poem as lovely as a tree.'' Trees and forests are poetic. They tug at our heartstrings. They evoke emotion. And I sincerely appreciate the emotion that my colleagues across the aisle have. I really believe we want to get to the same place of having healthy trees and healthy forests. It was that that motivated me to go to forestry school and study forestry. Little did I know that I would have the honor and the huge responsibility of standing on the floor of this august body and speaking for the trees. We want to do the right thing. We know how to do the right thing. We know how to take care of these trees and take care of these forests. Unfortunately, what is in this bill doesn't do that. What is in this bill doesn't help the water situation. We should not pass this bill. Let's work together, come up with real solutions, pass them out of this House, and get them signed into law to help our forests, our firefighters, and our drought conditions. Madam Chair, I yield back the balance of my time. {time} 1300”