[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 102 (Wednesday, June 17, 2026)]
[Senate]
[Page S2870]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                               Wildfires

  Mr. BARRASSO. Mr. President, wildfire season is officially here. 
Across the West, wildfires are devastating many communities, and this 
certainly includes my home State of Wyoming. The past two wildfire 
seasons were some of the most destructive that Wyoming has seen in 
decades.
  The drought we are experiencing makes conditions this year especially 
concerning. As summer continues, rural communities are bracing for 
another devastating wildfire season.
  America is in a wildfire crisis, and the crisis isn't going to be one 
that will solve itself. Our Federal forests are in dire need of 
effective management.
  The Federal Government must manage our Nation's forests in a serious 
way and a credible way. For too long, the Federal Government has 
ignored forest management, and this approach has failed to keep 
communities safe.
  Today, tens of millions of acres of Federal land are at severe risk 
of wildfires. Overgrown forests have become a tinderbox for large 
fires. Wildfires threaten our homes, our air quality, our watersheds, 
and our wildlife.
  Without proper forest management, we are going to continue to see 
costly and deadly wildfires.
  We know that active forest management works. This includes the 
thinning of overgrown forests. It includes using prescribed fires, and 
it includes grazing. All of these are tools that measurably reduce the 
risk of wildfires.
  Wyoming has led the way. We have shown that, when you treat more 
acres and work with local partners, you get healthier forests and safer 
communities. The rest of the country should follow our example.
  At the Federal level, we have seen the Trump administration rightly 
return to forest management policies that work. Still, Federal Agencies 
need help. That is exactly why I introduced the Wildfire Prevention 
Act. The Wildfire Prevention Act is going to reduce the risk of 
wildfires in our communities. At the same time, it is going to restore 
the health of our Federal lands in Wyoming and across the rocky 
Mountain West.
  My bill is a pro-first responder piece of legislation. Our Nation's 
wildland firefighters risk their lives to protect our forests and our 
communities from these wildfires. Hotshot crews are our heroes in 
Wyoming. They are highly trained, highly specialized, and their courage 
and ability keep us safe. My bill gives them the tools and the support 
that they need to better prevent wildfires and also to fight them more 
effectively.
  My bill also gives Federal Agencies the clear direction that they 
currently lack to manage our forests properly. Now, this is good for 
humans, and it is good for wildlife. Our proactive measures are 
designed to prevent wildfires.
  This bill will set real standards to increase thinning, prescribed 
burns, tree removal, as well as grazing. It will allow Agencies to sell 
more timber. It will cut unnecessary redtape and streamline management.
  These are basic, bipartisan protections. Every responsible landowner 
follows them. We should expect nothing less from the Federal 
Government.
  It is also important for Washington, DC, to collaborate effectively 
with States to prevent fires before they happen. That is why my bill 
includes an important update to codify the repeal of the so-called 
Roadless Rule. The Roadless Rule was put into place 25 years ago. It 
was put in place by President Bill Clinton. It has been called a 
midnight regulation because it was done in January of 2001. Clinton did 
it in the final week of serving 8 years as President. He waited until 
the very end, and then, as he was going out the door, he said: Hey, 
let's put this into place.
  The Roadless Rule remains a one-size-fits-all, Washington restriction 
that obstructs responsible forest management on a State-by-State basis.
  I have opposed the Clinton Roadless Rule from day one, and the Trump 
administration rightly repealed it. My bill makes the repeal permanent. 
At the same time, it protects the rights of each State to set its own 
rules. That is the right approach. It is the responsible approach. It 
is going to promote public access, wildlife health, as well as smart 
management.
  Local control and local conditions should drive forest management 
decisions. We can't allow a Washington mandate imposed on States, a 
quarter of a century ago, to continue to undermine our ability to 
manage our forests.
  Republicans and Democrats have talked about the need for better 
forest management. We have talked about it for years. Both parties know 
we need to do better.
  The Wildfire Prevention Act builds on what works. It gives Federal 
Agencies the tools they need to succeed. Our shared forests and our 
local communities deserve nothing less.
  I yield the floor.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Illinois.