Simpson Remarks at Hearing on United States Forest Service

Good afternoon, everyone. It’s an honor to welcome the 21st Chief of the U.S. Forest Service, Tom Schultz.  

Chief Schultz, you bring a wealth of experience to your role as Chief of the U.S. Forest Service, including a number of years as Idaho Director of Lands. As Idahoans, we have both seen firsthand how catastrophic wildfire can devastate our landscapes, communities, people, and the habitats of the animals that thrive in our forests. 

We have also seen where preventative measures and sound management practices dramatically decrease the cost of a fire season, both in terms of taxpayer dollars and lives and property lost. As we navigate these complex issues, we must also remain firmly committed to fiscal discipline.  The American people expect their government to live within its means, just as they do.  That means making responsible, often difficult choices— distinguishing and prioritizing what is most important.

One area where this Committee has shown strong, bipartisan leadership is in supporting our federal wildland firefighters.  These men and women are the backbone of our wildfire response, often risking their lives under extreme and dangerous conditions. 

The Fiscal Year 2027 President’s Budget Request shifts the approach on wildland fire management and transfers the Forest Service’s Wildland Fire Management appropriations and activities to the Department of the Interior.   

As we all know, wildfire isn’t just a policy issue, it’s personal; and this subcommittee is dedicated to ensuring that we provide the proper resources needed to ensure the safety of our communities and public lands. From fire and fuels management to active forest restoration, recreation, and infrastructure.  The demands on our public lands are increasing. 

Chief Schultz, your leadership comes at a critical time.  I look forward to hearing how we can work together to ensure our forests remain healthy, resilient, and accessible for generations to come. Thank you for joining us today—and thank you to all who are participating in this important conversation.  I look forward to a productive discussion.