Today, the Subcommittee on Federal Lands held an oversight hearing to examine the U.S. Forest Service's (USFS) budget request for Fiscal Year 2024, ahead of the upcoming wildfire season. Subcommittee Chairman Tom Tiffany (R-Wis.) released the following statement in response:

"Over the past several years, Democrats poured billions of dollars into the U.S. Forest Service with little to no progress to show for it. House Republicans are committed to accountability and transparency for the Forest Service as we actively manage our forests, increase timber production, and reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires."

Background

For the first time ever, USFS Chief Randy Moore testified before the House Committee on Natural Resources and provided much-needed transparency into the agency's activities. The Biden administration has funneled billions of dollars to the agency, without oversight and without addressing burdensome regulations and frivolous litigation impending active forest management. 

Even as funding has increased, our forests face ongoing catastrophic wildfire risks due to forest mismanagement. This national crisis has tragically caused the loss of hundreds of lives, destroyed thousands of homes and buildings and cost the federal government billions of dollars. Today's hearing marks an important step in holding this agency accountable and providing real transparency for the American people.