[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 142 (Thursday, September 12, 2024)]
[House]
[Pages H5216-H5217]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING AMERICA'S BRAVE WILDLAND FIREFIGHTERS AND FIRST RESPONDERS

  (Ms. SALINAS asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. SALINAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor America's brave 
wildland firefighters and first responders. In Oregon and across the 
West, we

[[Page H5217]]

are seeing deadly wildfires on the rise. They are starting earlier and 
growing larger than in previous years.
  Throughout this fire season, I have spent a lot of time attending 
interagency briefings, visiting fire camps, and talking with first 
responders on the ground. Just last week, I visited a camp near Mount 
Hood where wildland firefighters are battling through a heat wave to 
contain the Sandstone fire.
  These heroes put their lives on the line to keep us safe. In return, 
we must provide them with the resources and support they need to 
continue doing their jobs and protecting our communities.
  I have introduced legislation to do just that, including a bipartisan 
bill to help the U.S. Forest Service recruit, train, and place wildland 
firefighters in our communities to expand their firefighting capacity.
  Understandably, fighting these blazes and being separated from home 
and family for weeks on end can be emotionally taxing. Another bill of 
mine would actually connect more firefighters with mental health 
services and help them cope with the trauma they face on a daily basis.
  To our brave heroes: Thank you for your sacrifices. I will keep 
working to deliver the pay, benefits, and support you rightfully 
deserve.

                          ____________________