Illegal Firings Could Devastate Oregon

Floor Speech

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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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