Political Quotes

“Mr. Chairman, we cannot prevent the spread of megafires without prioritizing the needs of wildland firefighters and their families. Wildland firefighters play a critical role managing our forests and protecting communities from the threats posed by wildfires. We are so grateful to have their support for the underlying bill. This is dangerous work, and Congress can and must do more to protect these public servants. One component of this is providing respectful notification and helping families navigate their options when tragedy occurs. Congress can take a big step toward that end right now by establishing a Casualty Assistance Program at the Department of the Interior to provide support for all the critically ill, injured, or deceased wildland firefighters and their loved ones. While this program already exists for some Federal firefighters, almost 5,000 Department of the Interior firefighters and their families lack access to this aid, leaving them unsupported during some of the hardest, most painful times in their lives. Creating a Casualty Assistance Program through the Department of the Interior will ensure support for all our Federal wildland firefighters and their families. We have to provide for those who risk life and limb to protect our communities from devastating wildfires. This program is one small way that we show gratitude for our firefighters and their loved ones, by making sure that they have what they need when the unimaginable happens.…”