John Hostettler: “Mr. Chairman, I want to start out by saying I am not opposed to logging on public lands. I am not opposed to timber…”

“Mr. Chairman, I want to start out by saying I am not opposed to logging on public lands. I am not opposed to timber salvage. I think forestry-related industries are very important to our national and local economies. But as much as I am for these things, I am against corporate welfare. Mr. Chairman this country is still in the midst of a fiscal crisis. With more than $5 trillion in national debt, we, the elected representatives of this country, are charged with making the choices in priority that will bring the budget into balance. I know very well that these choices are not always popular. But Mr. Chairman, we simply must take stands if we are going to balance the budget--and we must, balance the budget. This amendment which I am helping offer is a simple solution to a somewhat convoluted Federal program. The amendment strikes $12 million in administrative funding and $30 million in purchaser credits through which the Forest Service subsidizes timber companies as they log on public lands.”