Mr. Speaker, I rise to share the story of a Federal scientist in Oregon who was recently fired by Donald Trump and Elon Musk. In Oregon, we experience seasons with drought and wildfires, and lives depend on accurate research of water sources. Mr. Speaker, 60 to 70 percent of usable water in both Oregon and Washington comes from mountain snowmelt, which is a critical water source in the West. It is vital to farmers, forests, and every community I represent. The scientist was with the Department of Agriculture's Oregon Snow Survey. Here is what he said: My job was to collect tangible data from the snowpack which could be used to determine a community's yearly water budget. I am completely heartbroken to have lost my position with the USDA. Mr. Speaker, these reckless firings are not just devastating to dedicated scientists who have chosen to work in public service, they also endanger Oregonians and people across the country. ____________________
On the recordFebruary 26, 2025
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