Fix Our Forests Act

Floor Speech

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Mr. VASQUEZ. Mr. Chair, I rise in support of my amendment with Representative LaMalfa.

New Mexicans know all too well how disastrous wildfires can be for our families, homes, private property, culture, and tradition. We need to use every tool in our toolbox to lessen the frequency and severity of wildfires.

Livestock grazing can help us accomplish that goal. Grazing targeted areas can help slow the spread of an intense burn and control the temperature of a fire by reducing the amount of flammable organic fuel.

This bipartisan amendment adds the text of our bill, the Utilizing Grazing for Wildfire Risk Reduction Act, to the proposed legislation. This amendment ensures that grazing is a tool that can be used proactively to prevent wildfires and keep New Mexicans safe. It helps cut through red tape and makes it easier for ranchers to assist in preventing devastating wildfires that destroy our lands, culture, and livelihood.

I appreciate Congressman LaMalfa for working with me on this important bipartisan amendment that uses a commonsense approach to reduce the threat of wildfires. We know that the cost of fighting wildland fires is astronomical, so we must use every available resource to prevent future natural and human-caused disasters.

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