[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 192 (Tuesday, November 2, 2021)]
[Senate]
[Page S7605]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         SUBMITTED RESOLUTIONS

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   SENATE RESOLUTION 436--HONORING THE INDIVIDUALS FIGHTING AND THE 
  INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE FALLEN RESPONDING TO WILDLAND FIRES DURING THE 
                      ONGOING 2021 WILDFIRE SEASON

  Mr. DAINES (for himself, Mrs. Feinstein, Mr. Barrasso, Mr. Crapo, Mr. 
Risch, Mr. Boozman, Mr. Hickenlooper, Mr. Padilla, and Mr. Heinrich) 
submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to:

                              S. Res. 436

       Whereas more than 5,000,000 acres have burned in wildfire 
     in 2021;
       Whereas changing climates, resulting in long-term trends of 
     warmer and drier weather, and mismanagement of the forests of 
     the United States are exacerbating the threat of wildfires 
     and contributing to the greater than normal fire activity in 
     Western States, resulting in dangerous conditions for 
     wildland firefighters;
       Whereas more than 16,000 personnel have been assigned to 
     contain and combat the fires that threaten the West;
       Whereas the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic 
     has exacerbated the public health and public safety risks 
     inherent in combating wildfires;
        Whereas Federal job classification and pay levels for 
     wildland firefighters were established more than 30 years ago 
     and should be re-evaluated based on the current wildfire risk 
     and job market; and
       Whereas wildland firefighters, first responders, sheriffs, 
     and community leaders have acted bravely and risked their 
     lives to contain dangerous wildfires across the United States 
     to protect families and critical infrastructure: Now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) recognizes the efforts and sacrifices of the wildland 
     firefighters who have risked their lives to fight intense 
     wildfires in 2021;
       (2) honors the bravery and heroism of the men and women 
     assisting in responding to and combating wildfires;
       (3) expresses appreciation and gratitude to firefighters 
     for protecting lives and property in the United States during 
     the ongoing 2021 wildfire season;
       (4) expresses full support for communities throughout the 
     West as those communities focus on recovery and rebuilding 
     areas and communities affected by wildfires; and
       (5) extends gratitude and appreciation to the families and 
     loved ones of wildland firefighters for their important role 
     in supporting the wildland firefighter community.

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