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WA HJM4009
JM
Status
1/12/2026
Primary Sponsor
Lawrence Springer
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AI Summary
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Washington State Legislature petitions Congress and federal agencies to ensure federal wildfire response capacity remains adequate following Executive Order 14308 (June 12, 2025), which directed consolidation of Interior and Agriculture Department wildland fire programs
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U.S. Forest Service reported 5,000 employee reductions and Department of Interior reported 7,500 employee reductions through the Deferred Resignation Program and Voluntary Early Retirement Authority, with additional reductions planned
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Requests the consolidated Department of Interior Wildland Fire Service be fully operational and staffed by April 1, 2026, ahead of the 2026 wildfire season
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Asks that any further reorganization involving the U.S. Forest Service be delayed until national wildland fire activity subsides to Preparedness Level 2
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Urges that any unification process be implemented carefully to avoid reducing wildland firefighting capacity in 2027
Legislative Description
Requesting Congress to ensure that federal wildfire response entities have the capacity to protect communities and infrastructure, limit impacts to natural resources and watersheds, and protect wildland firefighter health and safety.
Last Action
Referred to Rules 2 Review.
2/4/2026