[Congressional Bills 117th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 854 Agreed to Senate (ATS)]

<DOC>






117th CONGRESS
  2d Session
S. RES. 854

 Honoring the individuals fighting and the individuals who have fallen 
 responding to wildland fires during the ongoing 2022 wildfire season.


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

            November 30 (legislative day, November 29), 2022

    Mr. Daines (for himself, Mrs. Feinstein, Mr. Hickenlooper, Mr. 
 Barrasso, Mr. Padilla, Mr. Crapo, Mr. Risch, Mr. Boozman, Ms. Lummis, 
    and Mr. Sullivan) submitted the following resolution; which was 
                        considered and agreed to

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
 Honoring the individuals fighting and the individuals who have fallen 
 responding to wildland fires during the ongoing 2022 wildfire season.

Whereas more than 7,200,000 acres have burned in wildfire in 2022;
Whereas changing climates, resulting in long-term trends of warmer and drier 
        weather, and mismanagement of the forests of the United States are 
        exacerbating the threat of wildfires and contributing to the greater 
        than normal fire activity in western States, resulting in dangerous 
        conditions for wildland firefighters;
Whereas the Coronavirus Disease 2019 pandemic has exacerbated the public health 
        and public safety risks inherent in combating wildfires;
Whereas more than 20,000 personnel have been assigned to contain and combat the 
        fires that threaten the West;
Whereas Federal pay levels for wildland firefighters were established more than 
        30 years ago and should be re-evaluated based on the current wildfire 
        risk and job market;
Whereas the Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center program established by the 
        Department of Labor and the Department of Agriculture trains the next 
        generation of forestry technicians and wildland firefighters, providing 
        dedicated personnel for conservation and firefighting activities; and
Whereas wildland firefighters, first responders, sheriffs, and community leaders 
        have acted bravely and risked their lives to contain dangerous wildfires 
        across the United States to protect families and critical 
        infrastructure: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the Senate--
            (1) recognizes the efforts and sacrifices of the wildland 
        firefighters who have risked their lives to fight intense 
        wildfires in 2022;
            (2) honors the bravery and heroism of the men and women 
        assisting in responding to and combating wildfires;
            (3) expresses appreciation and gratitude to firefighters 
        for protecting lives and property in the United States during 
        the ongoing 2022 wildfire season;
            (4) expresses full support for communities throughout the 
        West as those communities focus on recovery and rebuilding 
        areas and communities affected by wildfires; and
            (5) extends gratitude and appreciation to the families and 
        loved ones of wildland firefighters for their important role in 
        supporting the wildland firefighter community.
                                 <all>