Oversight Hearing | Subcommittee on Federal Lands

2025-09-09

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Summary

The Subcommittee on Federal Lands convened a hearing to discuss the current condition of the nation's federal forests and the management strategies employed by the U.S. Forest Service. Chief Tom Schultz provided testimony on the state of federal forests, addressing concerns related to wildfire risk, forest health, staffing, and budget management [ 00:15:03 ]

. The discussion highlighted significant partisan differences regarding the effectiveness and implications of recent administrative changes and proposed policies [ 00:17:22-00:18:01 ] .

Federal Forest Health and Wildfire Crisis

Numerous members emphasized the severe degradation of federal forests, pointing to escalating wildfire risks, insect infestations, and disease outbreaks across millions of acres . Chairman Westerman described federal forests as being in "dire condition" and "ticking time bombs," highlighting the devastation caused by megafires on communities, wildlife, and air quality . Chief Schultz affirmed that over 66 million acres of national forest lands are at high or very high risk of wildfires, and 78 million acres are affected by insect and disease infestations, labeling it a "full-blown wildfire-enforced health crisis" . This crisis is widely attributed to decades of insufficient active management, which has led to overgrown and unhealthy forests [ 00:17:29 ]

Forest Service Management and Policy Direction

The Trump administration's approach to forest management received both strong praise and fierce criticism. Republican members, including Chairman Tiffany and Chairman Westerman, commended Chief Schultz and the administration for prioritizing active management, timber production, and fiscal responsibility [ 00:16:49 ]

. They highlighted executive orders aimed at expanding American timber production, streamlining permitting, and removing bureaucratic impediments . A significant point of contention was the proposed rescission of the 2001 roadless rule, which proponents argued has "locked up" over 58 million acres and impeded necessary mitigation and fire access . Chief Schultz agreed that the roadless rule had frustrated land managers and that its repeal would return local decision-making and provide better access for fire management, recreation, and timber management .

Conversely, Ranking Member Neguse and Ms. Randall sharply criticized the administration's policies, including proposed budget cuts and organizational changes, arguing they undermine the Forest Service's capacity . Ms. Randall accused the administration of "working overtime to turn our public lands over to corporate profiteers" and silencing public input, particularly through the rescinding of the roadless rule . She argued that the roadless rule repeal is not about forest health or wildfire response, but rather about facilitating logging and mining for corporate profits . Chief Schultz also noted ongoing efforts to streamline the NEPA process and review categorical exclusions to improve efficiency [ 00:42:45 ]

Forest Service Staffing and Budget Challenges

The meeting featured extensive debate over the Forest Service's staffing levels and budget. Chairman Tiffany claimed the Biden-Harris administration created a "$750 million hole" in the agency's budget, leading to a hiring freeze [ 00:18:53 ]

. In contrast, Ranking Member Neguse asserted that thousands of career experts have left or been fired under the current administration, describing proposed budget cuts as "draconian" and "dangerous," potentially reducing staff by nearly 40% . He also highlighted chronic understaffing that predated the current administration .

Chief Schultz clarified that approximately 5,200 employees left voluntarily through a deferred resignation program, which did not apply to firefighters [ 02:00:00 ]

. He acknowledged that 1,400 red card holders (qualified firefighters) left the agency, with about 350 having fought fires in the last five years, and 130 of those have since returned [ 00:53:56 ] . Chief Schultz defended the budget decisions as necessary to achieve fiscal responsibility, aiming to rebalance the workforce by shifting mid-level management to on-the-ground positions . Concerns were also raised about the administration's budget zeroing out programs like the state, private, and tribal forestry program, which was seen as critical for collaborative forest management .

Wildland Firefighter Welfare and Safety

The well-being of wildland firefighters was a significant concern for several members. Ranking Member Neguse, Ms. Randall, and Ms. Dexter pressed Chief Schultz on toxic smoke exposure, the availability and recommendation of personal protective equipment (PPE), and processing times for compensation claims . Chief Schultz supported a pay cap waiver for firefighters and acknowledged that N95 masks are available on fires, though he did not explicitly recommend their routine use, citing physical challenges in hot, humid conditions . He also stated that there is currently no OSHA-approved respirator specifically for wildland firefighting [ 01:50:23 ]

A specific incident in Washington State was raised where Customs and Border Patrol interrogated and arrested firefighters at an active wildfire incident command post [ 01:11:24 ]

. Ms. Randall questioned the Forest Service's involvement and whether they objected to the action, expressing disappointment with the lack of clarity and concern about the "chilling effect" on firefighter morale and participation . Chief Schultz stated the Forest Service was not directly involved in the arrests but had received a heads-up the night before, and that the responsibility for border security rested with CBP [ 01:11:43 ] .

Tone of the Meeting

The overall tone of the meeting was notably contentious and polarized, particularly along partisan lines . Republican members often expressed strong support for the Trump administration's policies, commending the Chief and criticizing prior administrative approaches [ 00:16:49 ]

. Conversely, Democratic members voiced significant alarm and direct criticism regarding budget cuts, staffing reductions, and the impact of policy changes on environmental protection and firefighter welfare . Despite these deep disagreements, most interactions maintained a formal, parliamentary respect, with members assertively making their points and Chief Schultz generally responding defensively or by deferring to further inquiry [ 01:21:52 ] . There was a shared underlying concern about the severity of the wildfire crisis and the importance of supporting firefighters, even if the proposed solutions differed drastically .