Washington, D.C. — The U.S. House Committee on Natural Resources has passed the bipartisan Fix Our Forests Act, led by Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.), who is the only professional forester in the U.S. Congress. Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata co-sponsored the legislation.

“The tragic wildfire devastation of beautiful Lahaina is fresh in our minds, the western United States has had many enormous blazes in dry weather, and American Samoa’s firefighters have responded in that time of need,” Congresswoman Aumua Amata said. “Preventing and containing these major fires through science, study, active management, and rapid response preparation have been hallmarks of Chairman Westerman’s leadership, and I’m happy to support these important efforts that benefit us all in the long run.”

The bill promotes federal, state, tribal, and local collaboration; seeks to improve community resilience to wildfire; incentivizes new research; applies state-of-the-art science and tools to treat forests that are at the highest risk of wildfire; reduces frivolous and burdensome litigation that can delay critical forest management projects; and encourages active professional management to prevent trees in contact with powerlines and protect critical infrastructure.

The Fix Our Forests Act is a historic and comprehensive legislative package that will encourage active forest management and protect communities in the wildland-urban interface with science-focused solutions to the growing problems facing America’s federal forests. It will eliminate frivolous litigation and cut the burdensome red tape that has prevented land management agencies from using the tools at their disposal to manage our forests.

Chairman Westerman said, “America’s forests are in desperate need of management, and it’s time to take immediate action. Onerous regulations and weaponization of environmental laws have turned our forests into ticking time bombs. Fortunately, the Fix Our Forests Act is a bipartisan solution that will apply the best possible science and empower America's land managers with the necessary tools to make our incredible forests healthier and more resilient for generations to come.”

AIRPORT ALLOCATION

The Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Act for next year, which passed its Subcommittee yesterday, is allocating $1 million for the Pago Pago International Airport terminal in upcoming major legislation.

This a Community Project Funding included at Congresswoman Amata’s request to the Committee, following the request made in communication with Governor Lemanu P.S. Mauga. This is the dual process required by the House of Representatives so that projects have the input or support of both the Member of Congress and the government of the state or territory.

“It’s great news to see American Samoa’s airport terminal project cleared the most important first step with the support of the House Appropriations Committee, by including it in their fiscal year 2025 bill, which the House will be considering,” the Congresswoman said. “Congratulations to Governor Lemanu, Port Director Falenaoti Loi-on Fruean and American Samoa Port Authority. We need safe and reliable, but also efficient, comfortable, and modernized airports to serve our people as the gateways to the U.S. and the world.”