Perlmutter Introduces Amendment To Fight Forest Fires, Create Manufacturing Jobs

Statement

Today, U.S. Rep. Ed Perlmutter (CO-7) introduced an amendment on the floor of the House of Representatives to increase focus at federal agencies on forest fire prevention, especially in areas impacted by pine beetle infestation, require Made In America in our National Park System, and honor sovereignty agreements with Native American tribes.

"As we speak, 20 large, active fires are burning almost 500,000 acres in Alaska, Arizona, California, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Wyoming, and my home state of Colorado. In Colorado, 1800 firefighters from across the country are on the ground fighting the 60,000 acre High Park Fire, which has damaged nearly 200 homes. This fire is particularly dangerous because of the devastation caused by insect infestation. Today's Republican bill does practically nothing to address national forest policy, thinning, or wildland fire efforts. My amendment requires the federal government to focus on wildfire programs to identify problem areas, especially those infested with pine beetles, and take mitigating action.

"In addition, my amendment is about jobs. Our national parks embody everything great about America. So it is terrible to see "Made in China" stamped on T-shirts, hats, and memorabilia sold at our national parks. My amendment requires national parks to sell gifts made in America. This will create jobs and make Americans even prouder of our National Parks System.

"Finally, my amendment ensures this bill doesn't violate the sovereignty of Native American tribes. America made a promise to our tribes, and my amendment keeps this promise."

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