Why is This Administration Attacking Firefighters? How I’m Standing Up for Our Heroes

Why is This Administration Attacking Firefighters? How I'm Standing Up for Our Heroes

Hello,

Wildfire season is here - frankly, it almost never ends these days. Climate change is undeniably fueling these growing disasters, and communities are being destroyed, forests are being wiped out, and first responders are facing long-term health consequences. There is a lot on the line, and the federal government needs to step up. But Trump and House Republicans are pushing us in the opposite direction, and I find their treatment of our brave first responders deeply disturbing.

Just the other week, Trump sicced ICE agents on crews actively battling blazes in Washington state, and they ended up arresting two firefighters who were putting their lives on the line to protect others. That is inhumane and will make everyone less safe.

Trump and House Republicans are also trying to turn back the clock, rescinding what's left of the $5.5 billion for the U.S. Forest Service and $600 million for wildland firefighter pay, critical research, and grant program Democrats delivered in the Inflation Reduction Act. On top of that, they are also slashing the Forest Service budget by 76%.

This week, I called them on the carpet for this - and more - during a Natural Resources Committee hearing on the state of the Forest Service. You can check that out here. During the hearing, I got U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz to agree that the administration needs to focus more on the health and safety of wildland firefighters - something that's woefully been lacking. Our first responders are facing long-term health consequences, and we must ensure their safety and well-being.

I have been leading an oversight effort with Representatives Joe Neguse and Maxine Dexter to address the federal government's failure to protect wildland firefighters. Neglecting to solve this crisis will only worsen the weakening recruitment and retention of wildland firefighters - who are essential in protecting our communities and combatting the spread of wildfires.

I will continue to fight from every avenue to protect our communities, defend our first responders, and stem the bleed from Trump's indiscriminate, deep cuts to critical programs.

Helping You

"After losing everything in a wildfire, my family struggled to receive our amended return that exempted federal taxes on our wildfire relief payments. It was nearly impossible to get clear answers or help. When I finally reached out to Congressman Huffman, his team quickly stepped in and connected with the IRS on my behalf. Thanks to their efforts, my issue was resolved in just a few months, and I finally felt a huge weight lifted. I'm incredibly thankful for their dedication and support." Anca I., Windsor

To keep up with the work I am doing as your representative, please subscribe to my newsletter, and follow me on Bluesky, Facebook, Twitter/ X, Instagram, and Threads.

Thank you, and stay well,

Jared Huffman
Member of Congress

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