[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 95 (Monday, July 15, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1259]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                               H.R. 5017

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 9, 2002

  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 5017, a 
bill that creates an opportunity for the United States to implement 
agreements with foreign countries to assist us as we battle severe 
wildfires.
  During the devastating wildfires two years ago, both Australia and 
New Zealand provided the United States much needed help. Following the 
2000 fire season, long-term agreements for firefighting assistance were 
negotiated with these countries. Unfortunately, these agreements have 
not been implemented because of concerns that foreign firefighters 
could be held liable for actions taken while providing assistance in 
the United States. H.R. 5017 removes this barrier and extends liability 
protection to foreign firefighters providing service to our nation by 
treating them the same as U.S. employees. At the same time, it requires 
those countries with which we enter reciprocal firefighting agreements 
to extend the same protection to U.S. firefighters who lend support 
overseas, or across our borders.
  The valuable assistance firefighters from other countries provide to 
the United States is not new. For years, the collaborative relationship 
we have developed with Canada has protected property, resources and 
lives. Forest fires do not recognize international boundaries. It is 
vital we continue to work with other countries to ensure that wild 
fires are prevented and contained.
  Just last week lightening started a 450-acre wildfire in the 
northeast corner of Minnesota, north of the small town of Hovland. 
Since the risk of wildfire is low in Minnesota, much of the state's 
firefighting resources had been sent west to help with the forest fires 
there leaving us shorthanded. Because of our close working relationship 
with Ontario's natural resource agency, Canadian firefighters were able 
to bring the Hovland fire quickly under control.
  Unfortunately, not every country has the unique and special 
relationship that the United States has with Canada in fighting 
wildfires. H.R. 5017 will allow the U.S. Government to develop similar 
firefighting relationships with other countries around the world and 
enhance the relationship we have with one of our neighbors. We must 
help each other. I am pleased the House addressed this issue today and 
am proud to lend my support.




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