Congressman Nick Langworthy has reaffirmed his commitment to addressing wildfire prevention by supporting the Fix Our Forests Act, which passed the U.S. House of Representatives on Tuesday. The legislation now heads to President Trump’s desk to be signed into law.
Langworthy, who represents New York’s 23rd Congressional District, emphasized the urgency of the bill, noting the destruction caused by California wildfires that have devastated over 40,000 acres and placed first responders in perilous conditions.
“My heart goes out to the victims of the California wildfires and the brave first responders who are putting their lives on the line in extremely dangerous circumstances,” Langworthy said. He blamed the Senate for stalling the legislation last year despite bipartisan support and expressed relief that the current Senate is prepared to act.
The Fix Our Forests Act aims to address the growing problem of overgrown and fire-prone forests across the United States. Over 117 million acres of the nation’s forests require active management. The bill expedites environmental analyses, reduces lawsuits that delay action, and boosts the pace of forest restoration projects. It also supports community resilience by coordinating grant programs and advancing research and innovative technologies to address wildfire threats and suppression methods.
Additionally, the act establishes a Casualty Assistance Program for wildland firefighters and their families, providing vital support for those risking their lives in dangerous conditions.
The legislation has been praised for its forward-thinking approach to forest health and wildfire management. Langworthy highlighted its importance in preventing future catastrophic fires, calling it a lifesaving measure.
For more information, visit langworthy.house.gov.
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