[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 184 (Wednesday, November 30, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Pages S6910-S6911]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   SENATE RESOLUTION 854--HONORING THE INDIVIDUALS FIGHTING AND THE 
  INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE FALLEN RESPONDING TO WILDLAND FIRES DURING THE 
                      ONGOING 2022 WILDFIRE SEASON

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

                              S. Res. 854

       Whereas more than 7,200,000 acres have burned in wildfire 
     in 2022;
       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 the Coronavirus Disease 2019 pandemic has 
     exacerbated the public health and public safety risks 
     inherent in combating wildfires;
       Whereas more than 20,000 personnel have been assigned to 
     contain and combat the fires that threaten the West;
       Whereas Federal 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;
       Whereas the Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center program 
     established by the Department of Labor and the Department of 
     Agriculture trains the next generation of forestry 
     technicians and wildland firefighters, providing dedicated 
     personnel for conservation and firefighting activities; 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 2022;
       (2) honors the bravery and heroism of the men and women 
     assisting in responding to and combating wildfires;

[[Page S6911]]

       (3) expresses appreciation and gratitude to firefighters 
     for protecting lives and property in the United States during 
     the ongoing 2022 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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