[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 45 (Friday, March 10, 1995)]
[House]
[Page H2993]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                     IMPROVING THE WESTERN FORESTS

  (Mr. COOLEY asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. COOLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to inform my colleagues that we 
have taken an important first step in improving the Western forest 
environment and economy.
  Last week, the Appropriations Committee approved an emergency measure 
to harvest dead, burnt, and diseased timber that is rapidly diminishing 
the health of our forests.
  First, this is important because it will improve the health of our 
forests. This is proper management that will ensure that our natural 
resources are not further ravaged by diseases, insect infestation, or 
fire.
  Second, the sale of this timber will bring nearly a billion dollars 
in tax revenues into the Treasury.
  Third, we will put our woodstarved communities back to work. For many 
mills and their employees, it is already too late. We can, however, 
help those communities which are struggling to stay alive.
  Mr. Speaker, the salvage timber provision serves three vital 
funcations--improving forest health, returning hefty revenues to Uncle 
Sam, and putting hard-working people back to work.
  I urge my colleagues to support the rescission package next week.
  

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