Frank Riggs: “I rise in defense of our National Forests and the hard-working Americans who rely on the forests for their livelihoods.…”

“I rise in defense of our National Forests and the hard-working Americans who rely on the forests for their livelihoods. We are facing a national emergency. A landmark timber salvage amendment is included in H.R. 1159, offered by Representatives Charles Taylor and Norm Dicks, with my full support. This amendment is about putting people back to work in one of our most important industries. At a time when many are concerned about exporting jobs, we have a chance to put Americans to work--in an industry owned by Americans, harvesting a product consumed by Americans. By providing the increased harvesting of salvage timber, we will be providing a product for idle sawmills throughout the country. Since 1987, a total of 51 facilities have closed in California. Twelve of those sawmills were in my district. We must return to an intelligent, long-term forest management plan that is primarily focused upon forest health. This amendment starts us off in that direction. This amendment also makes fiscal sense. CBO scored it as a revenue maker.”