Resilient Forest Act Clears House Heads To Senate

Last week, the House passed legislation aimed at reversing the rising fire danger in the nation’s forests and grasslands.  The Resilient Forest Act, passed on a 232-188 vote, and would increase timber harvests.  It also looks to end the practice of fire borrowing, where the U.S. Forest Service raids its own budget to fight wildfires each summer.  Cathy McMorris Rodgers, said Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell recently stressed that something must be done, soon.

“80 million acres out of 190 million that they own is bug invested and diseased and dying, under growth where they need action and the Resilient Forest Act will give them the tools that they need to take the action necessary so we will have green healthy forests.”

McMorris Rodgers added the Resilient Forest Act does not sacrifice environmental protections.  She added the goal of the legislation is to provide the professions on the ground the tools they need.

"Local stake holders with local communities to make smart decisions and to get reviews and the environmental process done more quickly and timely basis.”

The Act as in years past must clear the Senate before it becomes law.  Senate Democrats have already said they will oppose several provisions in the measure.  To learn more about the legislation, visit McMorris Rodgers' Website.

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