Lawmakers Fret About Bush Budget Cuts To Forest Service, Firefighters

WASHINGTON - As the parched Southwest braces for a record wildfire season, some lawmakers say they are worried that repeated cuts in the Forest Service budget have left it unprepared to fight forest fires. ''I've heard from a lot of first responders in New Mexico, and they're definitely feeling the pinch of recent preparedness cuts,'' said Sen. Jeff Bingaman, D-N.M. ''If we have a particularly harsh fire season, I'm concerned that first responders may have a more difficult time responding to wildfires in a timely and effective manner.''

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President Bush's proposed 2007 budget, for the fiscal year beginning Oct. 1, reduces fire preparedness by $10 million on top of a similar cut last year. It proposes cutting fire-management assistance to state foresters by almost 20 percent, while increasing the money going to promote timber sales in the Northwest.

Rey said the Northwest Forest Plan is intended to help return Northwest timber sales to a target set in 1994.

Republican Sens. Pete Domenici of New Mexico and Jon Kyl of Arizona sent letters to Rey and Bush several weeks ago criticizing the budget proposal and reminding them that fighting and preventing wildfires in national forests is the job of the federal government.


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http://www.sltrib.com/utah/ci_3653436

preparedness. He shows up unprepared at every opportunity.

Why doesn't he care about American's safety?

from the sales of wood to charcoal.