[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 151 (Tuesday, September 16, 2025)]
[House]
[Page H4348]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             SERVICING THE RIGHT TO BREATHE CLEAN, SAFE AIR

  (Ms. DEXTER asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. DEXTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to share some good news and a 
step forward in protecting those who protect us.
  For generations, wildland firefighters have battled infernos with 
little more than a bandana between them and the clouds of toxic smoke.
  As the only pulmonologist serving in the United States Congress, I 
know just how dangerous that is. Exposure to wildfire smoke isn't just 
uncomfortable. It leads to heart and lung disease. It causes cancer. It 
shortens lives.
  That is why, during a recent House Natural Resources Committee 
hearing, I pressed the U.S. Forest Service chief to do more to protect 
our firefighters. Within hours, the Forest Service made clear that 
masks would be made available to wildland firefighters.
  This is welcomed news, but we cannot let up now. I look forward to my 
briefing with Forest Service Chief Schultz to further these protections 
for our firefighters. The right to breathe clean, safe air, whether you 
are battling a megafire or walking your child to school, is 
fundamental.
  It is time for every Member of this body to recommit to that goal and 
take action to make it real.

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