[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 78 (Friday, May 23, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1071]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HEALTHY FORESTS RESTORATION ACT OF 2003

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                               speech of

                            HON. BART STUPAK

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 20, 2003

  Mr. STUPAK. Mr. Speaker, I would like to state my support for H.R. 
1904 The Healthy Forests Restoration Act. Unfortunately, due to matters 
in my district I was not able to participate in this vote.
  As a co-sponsor of H.R. 1904 I support this legislation because of 
the relief it provides to combat the challenges facing our forest 
system today. From hazardous fuel reduction to insect and disease 
infestation research, this bill gives our forest managers and our 
private citizens the money and technical assistance they need to help 
bring our forests back to health.
  I believe H.R. 1904 will work to help alleviate the fire hazards that 
currently plague our forests. Our nation's forest system is overwhelmed 
with excess brush and foliage which create dangerous conditions with 
the dry summer season just around the corner. This bill provides 
thinning programs for up to 20 million acres of at-risk federal lands 
near communities and their water supplies.
  H.R. 1904 also provides money and technical assistance to stop the 
growing problem of insect and disease infestation. In Southeastern 
Michigan for example, Forest Service managers are battling the Emerald 
Ash Borer. This insect has decimated the population of ash trees 
located in a six county area. Luckily officials have responded quickly 
and we are in the process of containing that threat. H.R. 1904 will 
assist in our fight against invasive species like the Emerald Ash Borer 
and others around our country.
  I am hopeful that the Senate will act quickly on this important 
legislation.

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