[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 77 (Thursday, May 8, 2025)]
[House]
[Page H1924]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 ILLEGAL FIRINGS COULD DEVASTATE OREGON

  (Ms. SALINAS asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. SALINAS. Madam Speaker, I rise to sound the alarm about the Trump 
administration's reported plans to fire nearly 7,000 workers in the 
U.S. Forest Service.
  These illegal firings could have devastating consequences for Oregon.
  Wildfire season is just around the corner, and there is concern that 
the Forest Service won't actually have enough staff and resources to 
fight these deadly blazes, putting countless Oregonians at risk.
  Fewer workers also means fewer people to care for our public lands 
and less money coming into our local economies. It means taxpayer 
dollars, which go to recruit and train these highly skilled 
individuals, will lose out on their investment.
  That is why my colleagues and I sent a letter to Secretary Rollins 
and President Trump, demanding the reinstatement of all Forest Service 
personnel who have been illegally fired. Luckily, our letter resulted 
in some workers being reinstated, but the threat of more terminations 
remains.
  Our public servants deserve better. The American people deserve 
better.
  Madam Speaker, I won't be silent as the administration continues to 
wreak havoc on our country, on our forest, and on our people. With or 
without my Republican colleagues, I will continue to fight for our 
vulnerable communities.

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