REP. HILL’S BILL TO PRESERVE MORE OF ARKANSAS’S NATURAL BEAUTY PASSES THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman French Hill (AR-02)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. French Hill’s (AR-02) bill, H.R. 1612, the Flatside Wilderness Additions Act, to expand the Flatside Wilderness Area in central Arkansas by approximately 2,200 acres, passed the House of Representatives by a voice vote.

Rep. Hill’s bill designates an additional 2,200 acres as part of the Flatside Wilderness Area, fulfilling the vision Arkansas leaders first set forth in the 1984 Arkansas Wilderness Act. It marks the culmination of Rep. Hill’s determined effort to complete the Flatside Wilderness footprint and reflects a decades-long, bipartisan commitment to conserving one of The Natural State’s most treasured landscapes for future generations.

Rep. Hill said, “For over 40 years, Arkansas leaders have worked to secure the future of the Flatside Wilderness. My legislation completes that vision. It maintains what is best about The Natural State and conserves a place of cultural, ecological, and personal significance for Arkansans and visitors alike.”

“My bill reflects a thoughtful approach that balances conservation with access and ensures this extraordinary landscape remains available for generations to come. I am proud to complete what former Sen. Dale Bumpers and my predecessor, Rep. Ed Bethune, started four decades ago, and I am grateful for the strong support from Governor Sanders and local leaders, as well as for Chairman Westerman’s help in getting this bill to the House Floor.” 

Rep. Hill’s leadership in preserving the Flatside Wilderness Area reflects a decade-long effort to expand and protect one of Arkansas’s most scenic and ecologically significant landscapes. In 2019, he successfully passed legislation to add 640 acres to the Flatside Wilderness, which was signed into law by President Trump. That same year, Congress directed the U.S. Forest Service to study surrounding lands for potential inclusion. The recommendations from that study form the basis for today’s legislation.

The Flatside Wilderness Area is part of the larger Ouachita National Forest, the oldest and largest national forest in the South, stretching across central Arkansas into eastern Oklahoma. Known for its rugged terrain and iconic views, the area is a popular destination for hikers, hunters, wildlife enthusiasts, and families across the region.

The bill has received broad support from Arkansas leaders, including Governor Sarah Sanders, the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, and local officials and outdoor recreation advocates throughout the region.

Governor Sanders said, “I am proud to support Rep. French Hill and his bill to expand and complete the Flatside Wilderness Area in our state. This legislation complements the Natural State Initiative my administration established to make Arkansas a leading destination for year-round outdoor adventure, growing our tourism industry, getting families off screens and outdoors, and preserving our world-class natural beauty.”

Chris Racey, interim director for the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, said, “There are twelve wilderness areas in Arkansas that Arkansas Game and Fish Commission partners to bring these unique natural areas to Arkansans for recreation. Thank you to Congressman Hill for his work to further expand the wild lands of Flatside Wilderness.”

Anders Reynolds, federal legislative director for the Southern Environmental Law Center, said, “The Flatside Wilderness Additions Act would bolster an already strong outdoor recreation economy in The Natural State and preserve for future generations some of the Ouachita National Forest’s most rugged places. SELC applauds Representative Hill’s leadership on this bill, and joins countless hikers, hunters, campers, and paddlers in celebrating its passage through the House of Representatives today.”

Barry Hyde, Pulaski County judge, said, “I fully support H.R. 1612, the Flatside Wilderness Additions Act. This legislation safeguards one of our region’s most treasured natural areas while providing meaningful benefits to the people of Pulaski County. Expanding the Flatside Wilderness will enhance access to outdoor recreation, attract tourism, and contribute to the well-being of our residents — all while preserving the scenic beauty and ecological integrity of the Ouachita Mountains. I commend Rep. French Hill and our congressional delegation for their leadership in protecting these irreplaceable public lands for future generations.”

Larry Blackmon, Perry County judge, said, “The Flatside Wilderness Area is truly a treasure to the state of Arkansas and Perry County. Its natural beauty draws visitors from all over the United States. The citizens of Perry County are very appreciative of Congressman Hill’s efforts to expand the Flatside Wilderness Area and hope you will show your support for H.R. 1612 and allow the Flatside Wilderness Area to become an even greater beauty than it already is.”

Brian Thompson, president of the Ozark Society, said, “These Flatside additions will make a good wilderness even better, by including Cedar Creek Watershed lands, and by securing long-term protection for spectacular views from Flatside Pinnacle.”

Jill Gottesman, southeastern states director for The Wilderness Society, said, “TWS applauds the introduction of Congressman Hill’s Flatside Wilderness Additions Act to expand the existing Flatside Wilderness Area in the Ouachita National Forest. This expansion will improve the protection, restoration and manageability of the wilderness area. The bill supports Arkansas’ rich biodiversity, strengthens the growing outdoor recreation economy, and enhances rugged outdoor experiences for hikers, hunters, campers and other public land users.”

Congressman Valadao Celebrates Passage of Bill to Help Prevent Deadly Wildfires

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman David G Valadao (CA-21)

WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) released the following statement upon passage of the bipartisan Fire Safe Electrical Corridors Act in the U.S. House of Representatives. Congressman Valadao joined Reps. Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Jim Costa (CA-21) and Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) to re-introduce this bill which would allow the U.S. Forest Service to approve the removal of hazardous trees near power lines on federal forest lands without requiring a timber sale. This eases a serious threat that has been a major cause of destructive wildfires in the past.

“California is no stranger to destructive wildfires, and in the Central Valley, we live with the consequences,” said Congressman Valadao. “Far too often, bureaucratic red tape gets in the way of proper forest management, and it directly impacts air quality in the Valley. It shouldn’t be so hard to remove the dead trees we know make fires worse, and I’m glad to see this commonsense step toward reducing wildfire risk cross the finish line in the House.”

“The Western United States continues to experience catastrophic wildfires, and we need common-sense solutions that balance sustainable forest management practices with reducing wildfire risks,” said Rep. Carbajal. “My bipartisan bill strives to find this balance and is a common sense solution to protect our communities.”

“As our communities continue to recover from devastating wildfires, the House took the right step by passing the Fire Safe Electrical Corridors Act to help prevent future disasters,” said Rep. Costa. “This legislation will cut red tape, streamline the removal of hazardous vegetation near power lines, and strengthen our infrastructure to better protect homes and businesses.”

“As Co-Chair of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus, I’ve worked to advance practical, prevention-first solutions to reduce wildfire risks. The House’s bipartisan passage of the Fire Safe Electrical Corridors Act is a meaningful step forward—cutting through red tape to allow for the safe removal of hazardous vegetation near power lines on federal lands. This commonsense measure will help protect lives, support our firefighters, and make our communities more resilient in the face of growing wildfire threats,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick.

Background:

Currently, utility companies are required to keep trees and branches away from power lines on federal lands. But fallen or dead trees cannot be cleared currently without a timber sale, creating an administrative step that can slow clearing of hazardous fuel and potential wildfire triggers on federal lands.

This bill was adopted as an amendment to the bipartisan Fix Our Forests Act. The Fire Safe Electrical Corridors Act was first introduced in 2023 by California Congressmen David Valadao (CA-22), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), and Jim Costa (CA-21) and was approved by the House Natural Resources Committee unanimously in September 2024.

U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA) and Steve Daines (R-MT) led the companion bill in the Senate.

Read the full bill here.

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HAPPENING NOW: CASTOR DEFENDS HEALTH CARE FOR HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF TAMPA BAY NEIGHBORS

Source: United States House of Representatives – Reprepsentative Kathy Castor (FL14)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) is standing up for her neighbors against Congressional Republicans’ and President Trump’s cruel cuts, kicking people off their health coverage, hitting families’ wallets with higher electric bills and costlier health care and much more included in their big, bad budget bill.

“Tony McLaurin is a spirited seven-year-old from Wesley Chapel, Florida – a part of the world that my colleagues Gus Bilirakis and Laurel Lee know very well – North of Tampa. He is an athletic kid. He loves to play and watch football with his father, Ronnie. Loves math and playing video games. He’s sweet and respectful. But last December, his mother noticed that Tony didn’t have the same energy, and on the morning of his football championship banquet, she took him to the emergency room, where, after several blood tests, he was diagnosed with leukemia.

“Since then, Tony has been in and out of St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital for chemotherapy, where he will be undergoing treatment for the next two years. Pauline, his mom, is a fifth-grade teacher, and she had to quit her job when Tony was diagnosed.

“Now, it is a real struggle for them to pay their bills on Dad, Ronnie’s, electrician salary. When Pauline was forced to quit her job to take care of Tony, the family lost their health insurance that was tied to his mother’s teaching employer. But thankfully, St. Joe’s helped them enroll in Medicaid, which covers the whole family and helps provide all the chemotherapy that they need. Pauline feels hopeless, scared, and uneasy about the prospect of losing Medicaid. She said, ‘It’s not like I have a second option. Medicaid is the second option.’

“Medicaid insures one out of every three children diagnosed with cancer in the United States, and without consistent Medicaid coverage, some children with cancer likely will die. Even a gap in coverage or costly red tape requirements will cost lives. Studies have shown that children who experience interruptions to health coverage before or during their cancer diagnosis are less likely to survive.

“There is a new worry, though, for Pauline and Tony and the family, because the priority of the President and Republicans in Congress is to give a massive tax giveaway to Elon Musk and billionaires that’s going to be paid for with Medicaid cuts. It’s outrageous, and at a time of so much uncertainty driven by what the President has done and Elon Musk’s heartless actions. When the cost of living is so high, when cancer research is under attack, the last thing a parent with a child diagnosed with cancer needs is to worry about affordable health care.

“Musk already torpedoed a bipartisan piece of legislation at the end of the year that would have helped children diagnosed with cancer by speeding the development of new drugs and treatments. Do he and all his billionaire buddies really need more in their bank accounts, while kids and the vulnerable and families across this country must deal with them ripping coverage away? Let’s not be the Committee that makes it more difficult for our neighbors to get medical care for children battling cancer, forcing them to make an impossible choice between paying for treatment, food, utility bills or housing. The bill before us today is heartless, cruel, and costly, and I will not stand for it. Let’s be the Committee that supports Pauline, Tony, and their entire family—affordable, consistent health coverage is the least we can do for a family going through such an unthinkable hardship.”

There are approximately 432,000 children who rely on Medicaid and CHIP in the Tampa Bay area – children with complex medical conditions like cancer, children who need school-based services, military-connected children, and children who just need to visit their pediatrician. Medicaid is their lifeline.

Watch the Committee livestream here.

Watch Castor’s opening remarks below:

House GOP Honors America’s Fallen Police Officers

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Johnson (LA-04)

WASHINGTON — In honor of National Police Week, Speaker Johnson hosted a candlelight vigil in the U.S. Capitol today to pay tribute to fallen police officers and commemorate their service to our nation. Speaker Johnson was joined by families of fallen officers and members of the House Republican Conference.

“This year, the names of 345 fallen heroes will be etched into the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. They join more than 24,000 officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty,” Speaker Johnson said. “These men and women are the first to run toward danger, to stand on the lines of justice, and to put themselves in harm’s way so the rest of us don’t have to. Most of us will never see the quiet heroism that defines this work. And though we owe these brave Americans an unpayable debt, we thank them from the bottom of our hearts for their service.”

Watch Speaker Johnson’s remarks here.

Read below for the transcript of Speaker Johnson’s remarks:

There’s a lot of things going on on Capitol Hill today, but we certainly want to pause and give honor where honor is due. It’s a biblical admonition, and one we take very seriously. We gather this week, as we do every year to honor our nation’s law enforcement officers and all those who have fallen.

I come from a first responder family and understand that sacrifice. My dad was a firefighter. When I was 12 years old, he was burned in the line of duty – 80% of his body – third degree burns and permanently disabled thereafter. And in that fire, his co-captain and his one of his dearest friends perished in the fire.

First responders take on a risk that most people can’t imagine, and we know it well. But when it comes to law enforcement, there truly are fewer callings that could be imaginable and demand more courage and carry more risk than the people who pledge to serve and protect and defend everyone else. It is a noble calling. It’s a calling by God, and one that is often thankless and always demanding.

People take for granted the risk that is taken on. And these men and women who are first to run towards danger, to stand on the lines of justice and to put themselves in harm’s way, they do that, so the rest of the public doesn’t have to.

Most people will never see the quiet heroism that defines that work as our communities go about their lives under the shelter of the protection of our brave men and women in uniform. And we can sometimes take for granted that they too will just return home each night, that they’ll go home safe and sound to their families. But on some fateful days that does not happen, and that day changes everything, of course. And that day is why we are here.

This year, the names of 345 fallen heroes will be etched into the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. They join more than 24,000 officers who have made the same ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

And for each of you, there are some of the families here. There is a name on that memorial that stands out, a father, a mother, a sister, a brother, a friend, a son, a daughter. That’s who we remember today; not just what they did, but who they were. And no amount of words or wreaths can heal the hole in each family member’s heart that’s left behind.

But I do hope that these families find some comfort in knowing that millions of Americans grieve with them. We certainly do. And though we owe you an unpayable debt, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. You have our prayers, and you have our support, and we’ll have your back.

To Ashley and Kelly and to you and the families here today, we’re humbled by your courage. We thank you for being here to share your story. And I want to introduce one of the House’s own staunchest advocates for law enforcement. He is a congressman, but I still call him the sheriff, and that’s Mr. John Rutherford.

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Representative Peters, Food Providers Urge Congress to Support USDA Funds that Feed Hungry Americans

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Scott Peters (52nd District of California)

San Diego, CA – Yesterday, Representative Scott Peters (CA-50) and local leaders opposed proposed cuts to United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) food assistance programs, including Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Local Food Purchase Assistance (LFPA) and Local Food for Schools (LFS). They also shared the harm that funding cuts to these programs would have on hungry people in our community. San Diego food banks distributed over 900,000 pounds of food purchased from local farms through the USDA programs that Republicans will cut in their budget proposal. 

“Nobody in America should be forced to go to bed with an empty stomach,” said Rep. Peters. “USDA food assistance programs help feed San Diegans in need, and they’re a win-win-win for our communities, food banks, and farmers. The Republican budget proposal would cut $230 billion from agricultural and nutritional programs. I will continue to do everything in my power to protect these critical programs and stop any effort to hurt our farmers and take food away from our children.”

Rep. Peters brought together local farmers, school nutrition providers, food assistance program providers, and local elected officials to emphasize how proposals to cut food assistance funding would devastate our local schools, farmers, and families.

“We need the help on the federal side to take the politics out of food insecurity,” said Bob Kamensky, CEO of Feeding San Diego. “With bipartisan support, we can demonstrate what Americans have always pulled together for, and that is compassion for people who are facing needs.”

‘Every day, our School Nutrition professionals at San Marcos Unified School District serve 15,000 breakfasts, lunches, and suppers,” said Naomi Shadwell, Executive Director of San Marcos Unified Child Nutrition Services. “For many students, these are the most nourishing, balanced meals they’ll eat all day. We’re calling on leaders at every level – local, state, and federal – to protect the links between programs like SNAP, Medicaid, and school nutrition.”

“The Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program (LFPA) has been pivotal in the economic growth of our small farms,” said Byron Nkhoma, Co-Founder of Hukama Produce. “We have been able to reinvest into infrastructure that has helped increase our production to meet the high demand for high quality locally grown food. The program is critical in the survival and developments of small farms.

“These cuts are not just numbers on a federal spreadsheet—they would be devastating to real families here in San Diego County and especially in my city of Escondido,” said Deputy Mayor Consuelo Martinez. “A thriving and safe community depends on making sure our families are fed. Supporting farmers and those who feed us requires our investment and support.  We all eat; we need stronger support systems—not weaker ones.”

Rep. Peters believes it is in America’s interest to ensure that every child and family has access to nutritional food. He has consistently voted to increase funding for SNAP and for legislation that supports local farmers. He has urged his Republican colleagues not to enact a budget that would increase inflation and balloon our deficit, while cutting programs Americans rely on to put food on the table just to pay for tax cuts for people and corporations who don’t need them. Rep. Peters will continue to hold Republicans accountable and ensure every American knows the true cost of their budget proposal.

A livestreamed recording of the press conference can be found here.

Additional photos from the event are available courtesy of Rep. Peters’ office here.

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Rep. Nadler, Goldman, Lead New York Delegation Letter to HHS Secretary Kennedy Demanding Answers Regarding the Ongoing Instability at the World Trade Center Health Program

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jerrold Nadler (10th District of New York)

Today, Representatives Jerrold Nadler (NY-12), Dan Goldman (NY-10) sent a letter to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, regarding the ongoing instability at the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP).

They were joined on the letter by Representatives Yvette Clarke (NY-09), Ritchie Torres (NY-15), Paul Tonko (NY-20), Hakeem Jeffries (NY-08), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), John Mannion (NY-22), Nydia Velázquez (NY-07), Gregory Meeks (NY-05), Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), George Latimer (NY-16), Tom Suozzi (NY-3), Pat Ryan (NY-18), Laura Gillen (NY-04), Timothy Kennedy (NY-26), Grace Meng (NY-6), Joseph Morelle (NY-25), and Josh Riley (NY-19). 

The WTCHP provides essential medical monitoring and treatment to over 137,000 responders and survivors from the World Trade Center and lower Manhattan, the Pentagon, and the Shanksville crash site.

In the letter, the Members write, “Since January, the Trump Administration has attempted to fire critical WTCHP staff at least three times. In each instance, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) reversed course only after facing intense public backlash.”

The Members continue, “We are deeply disturbed by reports that, beginning in April, the WTCHP was functionally paralyzed. The program reportedly halted new member enrollments—including more than 800 eligible 9/11 responders and survivors—and left over 1,200 condition certifications in limbo. This backlog prevented clinics from initiating critical cancer treatments and other essential care. The abrupt removal of Dr. John Howard and 16 key staff members, followed by misleading public statements from HHS denying those very terminations, has seriously undermined public trust in the agency’s stewardship of this lifesaving program… Our 9/11 first responders and survivors deserve honesty, stability, and respect—not chaos and deception.”

The full text of the letter can be found here.

Case, Cortez Masto, Ernst, Radewagen Work To Strengthen Strategic Relationships With Pacific Islands

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ed Case (Hawai‘i – District 1)

(Washington, D.C) — Today, U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Congressman Ed Case (D-Hawaii-01), and Delegate Aumua Amata Radewagen (R-A.S.), introduced a bipartisan, bicameral bill aimed at strengthening the United States’ strategic partnerships with Pacific Island nations, supporting sustainable development, and combating the increasing Chinese aggression in the region. The Pacific Partnership Act would help the U.S. establish a clear, comprehensive strategy to support diplomatic, security, and economic relationships in the Indo-Pacific region.

“Our Pacific Partnership Act responds directly to the reality that our country’s and world’s future lies in the Indo-Pacific, and that the islands of the Pacific are our indispensable partners in charting that future,” said Congressman Case. 

“The Pacific Islands are under increasingly severe economic, environmental and geopolitical stress, and we must expand our generational engagement to assist them where they most need assistance. The Pacific Partnership Act, molded directly on the Pacific Islands’ own blueprint to their collective future, is our roadmap to expanded engagement as well.”

“Supporting our allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific is essential to combating the Chinese Communist Party’s influence and to our long-term national security,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “This bipartisan bill is critical to strengthening our ties with our allies in the Pacific and ensuring they become enduring global relationships.”

“Strengthening America’s partnerships in the Indo-Pacific is critical to deterring Chinese aggression,” said Senator Ernst. “This bipartisan legislation equips us to work with nations in the Pacific that serve as the first line of defense against the Chinese Communist Party and keep Americans safe at home.”

“Thank you to Senator Cortez Masto, Senator Ernst, and Congressman Case for their focus on these important partnerships that are close to home for my congressional district in the South Pacific,” said Congresswoman Radewagen. “We need sustained U.S. engagement for enduring partnerships in the Pacific Islands, keeping China’s influence in check, and strengthening mutual development opportunities.”

The U.S. has a longstanding relationship with the Pacific Islands, and they play a crucial role in U.S. national security, facilitating military operations in support of American allies and partners. Nevada – through the National Guard – collaborates with the Republic of Fiji, the Kingdom of Tonga, and the Independent State of Samoa under the National Guard Bureau’s State Partnership Program, strengthening security cooperation globally. 

The Pacific Partnership Act would strengthen these crucial ties by creating a “Strategy for Pacific Partnership”.

This strategy, crafted by the President and presented to Congress every four years, would outline U.S. involvement in the Pacific Islands and highlight combined efforts to combat regional challenges including natural disasters, security threats, and economic development. 

Read the full bill here.

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Rep. Bera Statement on Trump Administration’s Decision to End Deportation Protections for Afghans in the United States

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Ami Bera (D-CA)

Rep. Bera Statement on Trump Administration’s Decision to End Deportation Protections for Afghans in the United States

Washington, D.C., May 13, 2025

Today, U.S. Representative Ami Bera, M.D. (CA-06) released a statement on the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) decision to end deportation protections for Afghans residing in the United States: 

“My office has worked tirelessly to bring our Afghan allies to the United States to protect them from persecution from the Taliban.

“These brave men and women stood by our troops in Afghanistan—translating, advising and risking their lives to keep our service members safe. We made a promise to protect them in return.

“Many of these allies have since resettled in Sacramento County, building new lives and contributing to our community.

“It is unconscionable for the Trump Administration to revoke Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and now force many to return to Taliban-controlled Afghanistan, where they could face persecution, imprisonment or even death.”

Carbajal’s Bipartisan Bill to Reduce Wildfire Threat Passes House

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Salud Carbajal (CA-24)

Today, U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) announced his bipartisan legislation to reduce wildfire risks passed the U.S. House of Representatives. Rep. Carbajal’sFire Safe Electrical Corridors Act would reduce the procedural steps needed for removing hazardous vegetation near power lines, cutting red tape to allow for a more streamlined process to combat wildfire risk. 

U.S. Representatives David Valadao (R-CA-22), Jim Costa (D-CA-21), and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01) are co-sponsors of the legislation. U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA) and Steve Daines (R-MT) lead companion legislation in the Senate.

The Congressman spoke on the floor earlier today advocating for the passage of his bill. Watch the full speech here.

“The Western United States continues to experience catastrophic wildfires, and we need common-sense solutions that balance sustainable forest management practices with reducing wildfire risks,” said Rep. Carbajal. “My bipartisan bill strives to find this balance and is a common sense solution to protect our communities.”

“California is no stranger to destructive wildfires, and in the Central Valley, we live with the consequences,” said Rep. Valadao. “Far too often, bureaucratic red tape gets in the way of proper forest management, and it directly impacts air quality in the Valley. It shouldn’t be so hard to remove the dead trees we know make fires worse, and I’m glad to see this commonsense step toward reducing wildfire risk cross the finish line in the House.”

“As our communities continue to recover from devastating wildfires, the House took the right step by passing the Fire Safe Electrical Corridors Act to help prevent future disasters,” said Rep. Costa. “This legislation will cut red tape, streamline the removal of hazardous vegetation near power lines, and strengthen our infrastructure to better protect homes and businesses.”

“As Co-Chair of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus, I’ve worked to advance practical, prevention-first solutions to reduce wildfire risks. The House’s bipartisan passage of the Fire Safe Electrical Corridors Act is a meaningful step forward—cutting through red tape to allow for the safe removal of hazardous vegetation near power lines on federal lands. This commonsense measure will help protect lives, support our firefighters, and make our communities more resilient in the face of growing wildfire threats,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick.

“The catastrophic Southern California fires were a blaring warning call for smarter, proactive solutions to strengthen fire resilience across the country,” said Sen. Padilla. “Expediting the removal of hazardous fuels — like brush and other vegetation — near power lines is a commonsense, bipartisan solution to reduce the threats of catastrophic megafires that are devastating American communities. I am glad to see the House move our bipartisan bill forward and will continue exploring all avenues to keep California residents safe from the wildfire crisis.”

“Montanans are tired of breathing in smoke and this bill is a commonsense approach to addressing the root of the problem. I commend the House for passing this bipartisan legislation and thank Montana Representatives Ryan Zinke and Troy Downing for their support,” said Sen. Daines.

The legislation would allow the U.S. Forest Service or Bureau of Land Management to approve the removal of hazardous trees near power lines on federal land – including national forests like Los Padres National Forest – without requiring a timber sale, easing a serious threat that has in the past been a major cause of destructive wildfires.

Currently, utility companies are required to keep trees and branches away from powerlines on federal land. But fallen or dead trees cannot be cleared currently without a timber sale, creating an administrative step that can slow clearing of hazardous fuel and potential triggers for a wildfire on federal land.

The bill was adopted as an amendment to the bipartisan Fix Our Forests Act.

The bill was first introduced in 2023 with California Representatives Carbajal, Jim Costa (D-CA-21), and David Valadao (R-CA-22) leading in the House and U.S. Senators Dianne Feinstein and Alex Padilla leading in the Senate. 

The bill was approved by the House Natural Resources Committee unanimously in September 2024.

Stefanik’s Bill Renaming Historic Site “Saratoga National Battlefield Park” Passes House

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (21st District of New York)

Stefanik’s Bill Renaming Historic Site “Saratoga National Battlefield Park” Passes House | Press Releases | Congresswoman Elise Stefanik

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