Russ Feingold: “I intend to support H.R. 1904, as amended by the Senate. I do so, however, with significant reservations about the bill…”

“I intend to support H.R. 1904, as amended by the Senate. I do so, however, with significant reservations about the bill, and its benefits for Wisconsin, and I want to describe my concerns in detail. Forest fire management is a critical issue for my home State of Wisconsin and for the country. Forest fires burned on approximately 7 million acres across 15 States during last year's fire season, the second worst in 50 years. Fighting those fires cost taxpayers about $1.6 billion. It also cost 23 firefighters their lives. This year's fire season is expected to be as bad as last year's. And though Wisconsin has escaped the season unharmed, my State did face a higher than normal risk of fire this summer due to the relatively dry weather we had the year before. Moreover, forests are important to Wisconsin economically. Our businesses depend on them as do our recreation and tourism industries. The primary and secondary wood products industry is the second largest employer in Wisconsin and, according to the Wisconsin Division of Forestry, my State leads the Nation in 2002 in the production of fine papers, sanitary paper products, children's furniture, and millwork. Forest resources in Wisconsin are a primary tourism attraction for both residents and visitors. Given the role and importance of forests in Wisconsin, I wish that the bill focused more on the forests of the Upper Midwest.”