Sydney Kamlager-Dove: “In fact, Mr. Chair, we support 18 of the 22 sections of the bill. However, without additional changes, the bill includes…”

“In fact, Mr. Chair, we support 18 of the 22 sections of the bill. However, without additional changes, the bill includes harmful provisions that go beyond what the wildfire commission recommended. Despite 148 opportunities for consensus, my colleagues across the aisle couldn't resist undermining our bedrock environmental protections like NEPA, the Endangered Species Act, and the National Historic Preservation Act. This is unnecessary because the evidence is clear: the Forest Service has achieved record-breaking results in reducing wildfire risks, thanks to the investments Democrats made last Congress over Republican opposition. Instead of weakening vital environmental laws, we should focus on building on the progress we have already made. The wildfire crisis is, and should be, a bipartisan priority. Democrats stand ready to work together on consensus-based solutions that provide our land management agencies with the tools they need. Unfortunately, H.R. 8790 is not that solution.”