Andre Carson: “I thank Congresswoman Schrier for her leadership, her friendship, and for being an advocate on behalf of her…”

“I thank Congresswoman Schrier for her leadership, her friendship, and for being an advocate on behalf of her constituents. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to demand answers on the recent funding and staff cuts to the U.S. Forest Service. Last week, I led a letter to the administration urging a reversal of these shortsighted decisions. We are still waiting for a response. In my district, a wonderful, nonpartisan organization called Keep Indianapolis Beautiful has helped people and nature thrive. They work with local government, businesses, community groups, and schools to plant trees, clean up litter, and transform vacant lots into vibrant community green spaces. Mr. Speaker, they work so hard. Their work makes our neighborhoods healthier, safer, and more connected, but this administration terminated grants that made this great work possible. It appears that DOGE has flagged words like ``equity'' and ``diversity'' in grant applications even when it is biodiversity and tree equity. That is just not bureaucratic overreach, it is absurd. Tree equity is the idea that every neighborhood deserves trees. Without them, underserved areas become heat islands--trapping heat, raising energy bills, and degrading quality of life. This is not theory. It is science. Investing in greener, healthier neighborhoods benefits Hoosiers and Americans. These cuts undermine that very goal.…”