[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 108 (Wednesday, June 26, 2019)]
[Senate]
[Page S4579]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. WYDEN (for himself and Mr. Merkley):
  S. 1997. A bill to authorize transitional sheltering assistance for 
individuals who live in areas with unhealthy air quality caused by 
wildfires, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Homeland 
Security and Governmental Affairs.
  Mr. WYDEN. Mr. President, today I am introducing the Wildfire Smoke 
Relief Act of 2019 with the ultimate goal of providing Federal 
emergency assistance to at risk individuals in areas with unhealthy air 
quality caused by wildfire smoke. By actively preparing for the effects 
of wildfire smoke inhalation, this bill attempts to ensure the long 
term health and security of all of those affected by wildfires.
  In 2018, over 2,000 fires burned nearly 900,000 acres in the State of 
Oregon. The result of these fires was weeks and weeks of wildfire 
smoke. In Southern Oregon alone, there were 39 days with unhealthy air 
quality directly caused by smoke from wildfires. People need proper air 
filtration equipment, and in extreme cases, to seek refuge in a 
smokeless area. Communities are being choked by wildfire smoke, and 
each year wildfires are becoming more destructive than the previous.
  Vulnerable populations like children, the elderly, pregnant women, 
and low-income families are disproportionately affected by wildfire 
smoke. Additionally, those with chronic heart or lung conditions are at 
a similarly heightened risk. Symptoms from smoke inhalation can develop 
within a relatively short time of exposure, and according to research, 
is akin to smoking several packs of cigarettes per day. Symptoms vary 
and can include poor development of lungs in children, shortness of 
breath, coughing, chest pain, nausea, reduced lung capacity, 
bronchitis, headaches, and visual impairment.
  The bill would authorize the Federal Emergency Management Agency 
(FEMA) to provide assistance to at risk individuals by providing smoke 
inhalation prevention equipment and low-cost home improvements when air 
quality causes unhealthy air quality levels or three consecutive days. 
Smoke inhalation prevention equipment would include an air filter, a 
face mask or respirator, a portable air filtration unit, and other low 
cost equipment used to keep smoke out of a house.
  In severe cases, the Wildfire Smoke Relief Act would authorize FEMA 
to provide transitional sheltering assistance for at risk individuals. 
In these extreme cases FEMA can arrange alternate, cost-efficient 
housing arranged for at-risk people to escape the smoke.
  Mr. President, I am pleased to be joined by Senator Jeff Merkley in 
introducing the bill today and look forward to working with my 
colleagues toward enactment of the Wildfire Smoke Relief Act in the 
116th Congress.

                          ____________________