Political Quotes

“In September of 2020, as the El Dorado fire raged through California, Big Bear hotshot firefighter Charlie Morton said to his loved ones what he always said when there was a fire in the area: ``I've got to go protect my mountains.'' Hotshots like Morton serve in the Vanguard. They are tasked with making the area safe for other firefighters to operate. As one hotshot explained: ``We do not get to turn around and walk away.'' I am hopeful that the Congress today does not turn around and walk away. This bill is a step to deal with the extraordinary consequences of climate change that is afflicting our country. Yes, it is the West of our country, but it is afflicting us all, in particularly, the West. Firefighter Morton knew his work was extremely dangerous, but he did it anyway because he believed in the importance of protecting our Nation's forests and the communities they sustain. On September 17, 2020, backed into a corner by the encroaching flames, Morton laid down his life in defense of that conviction. It was a noble sacrifice but one that no one should have to make. Much like Morton and his fellow hotshots, America cannot afford to turn around and walk away from the issue of wildfires. We must do everything we can to ensure that other brave firefighters do not have to give the full measure of their devotion as Morton did.…”