Fix Our Forests Act

Floor Speech

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Mr. CARBAJAL. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Chairman, my amendment to H.R. 471 simply allows the U.S. Forest Service to approve the removal of hazardous trees or vegetation near power poles or power lines on Federal land without the need for a timber sale.

Unfortunately, catastrophic wildfires continue to ravage California and the Western United States. We do need some commonsense solutions that balance sustainable forest management practices with reducing wildfire risks. My amendment strives to find this balance.

I firmly believe that if we can take action to prevent wildfires, we should. We know it pays to be prepared. We also know there are solutions that can help mitigate the impacts of wildfires, but apart from this, I also know that we need to act to address the underlying intensity of these extreme weather events fueled by the climate crisis.

Apart from supporting my amendment, I also urge my colleagues to continue to work to find commonsense solutions to act on this crisis impacting so many American families.

My thoughts continue to be with the people who have lost loved ones and their homes in these horrific fires.

I also thank the brave first responders and firefighters who have been battling these fires.

Mr. Chairman, again, I urge passage of my amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.

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Mr. CARBAJAL. Mr. Chair, may I inquire as to the amount of time remaining on both sides.

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Mr. CARBAJAL. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Huffman).

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Mr. CARBAJAL. Mr. Chairman, I think my amendment provides a glimmer of hope in this bill that certainly could use some improvements. I am happy that my amendment is being considered.

Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.

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