Political Quotes

“I rise in support of S. 1134, a bill granting the consent and approval of Congress to an interstate forest fire protection compact entered into by the states of Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington, as well as the Provinces of Alberta and British Columbia, and the Yukon Territory. Mr. Speaker, this bill fulfills the Constitutional requirement for Congressional consent to the compact negotiated by these eight states and provinces. Specifically, the compact enables the fire management agencies of the participating states and provinces to cooperate in combating wildfires across state and national borders. As the representative of a district that frequently experiences extensive and destructive wildfires, I am well aware of the need for regional cooperation in containing them. This compact will allow the region to mobilize all its available resources to combat wildfires and minimize their damage. This locally driven legislation was passed unanimously by the other body on July 31 of this year, and has strong bi-partisan support from the northwest congressional delegation. I urge my colleagues to support this cooperative effort to suppress wildfires in the northwest and pass this bi-partisan legislation.”