Demand Accountability for Wildland Firefighter Shortages

As we approach a potentially devastating fire season, the alarming discrepancies in wildland firefighter staffing demand immediate congressional action. The Trump Regime's Agriculture Secretary, Brooke Rollins, must be held accountable for the significant gaps between public statements and the reality of our firefighting workforce. ProPublica's recent report reveals a shocking truth: up to 27% of Forest Service firefighting jobs were vacant as of July 17. This stands in stark contrast to the Forest Service's claim of reaching 99% of its hiring goal. Such a discrepancy is not just misleading; it's dangerous for our communities and ecosystems. The impact of Department of Government Efficiency cuts and resignations on our firefighting capacity cannot be overstated. With thousands of vacancies in the Forest Service's firefighting workforce, we are woefully underprepared for the challenges that lie ahead. Rep. Robert Garcia, the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, has taken a crucial step by demanding a detailed accounting of current staffing and changes at the Forest Service since January 20. Congress must unite behind this effort and amplify the call for transparency and action. We urge Congress to demand that Secretary Rollins provide immediate and comprehensive documentation on staffing levels, hiring processes, workforce reductions, and firefighting resources. The safety of our communities and the preservation of our natural resources hang in the balance. Time is of the essence. As fire season looms, every day without a full complement of trained firefighters puts lives and property at risk. Congress must act now to ensure our firefighting force is at full strength and ready to face the challenges ahead. The American people deserve nothing less than full transparency and immediate action to address this critical staffing shortage.