WASHINGTON, D.C., March 26, 2009 - House Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Doc Hastings (WA-04) today released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Federal Land Assistance, Management and Enhancement Act (FLAME Act, H.R. 1404):
“I’m pleased that members from both sides of the aisle came together today to support a good piece of legislation that resolves some of the accounting problems that drain the Forest Service’s budget every year - especially during wildfire season. But we must do more than simply pass bookkeeping measures. Congress must provide our land managers with the necessary authority and tools to effectively manage our nation’s forests and prevent wildfires."
