Political Quotes

“I agree with Senator Murkowski that fire borrowing has been mischaracterized and conflated with the Forest Service's overall concern about its discretionary budget. Although I recognize the fact that the Forest Service has serious management challenges, consensus doesn't exist in the Senate to adjust the caps so the Forest Service can spend more money on other programs within its discretionary budget. That said, Congress must find a fiscally responsible solution to wildfire funding and fire borrowing. I welcome the opportunity to review the fire borrowing issue in my committee and how the unpredictable costs of wildfire suppression have forced Congress to appropriate emergency dollars in past years. We can find a solution to budgeting for wildfires. We cannot, however, only work on the budget issues without also making changes to the way we manage our forests. It is crucial to ensure taxpayer dollars are being used efficiently and effectively. Just as there are many State, local, and Federal partners in the field when it comes to suppressing wildfires during the fire season, it is important that all the necessary committees in the Senate work together on this issue. I look forward to addressing these issues with Senator Murkowski and Senator Roberts, with my committee members, and with other Western Senators interested in the outcome.”