Pelosi Statement on Passage of Wildfire Response and Drought Resiliency Act

Contact: Speaker's Press Office,

202-226-7616

Washington, D.C. – Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued this statement on the passage of the Wildfire Response and Drought Resiliency Act:

"Passage of the Wildfire Response and Drought Resiliency Act is a major victory for Californians – and for the country. This bipartisan bill advances a robust, dynamic strategy to mitigate extreme weather disaster before it strikes, respond with every tool in our arsenal and fortify our communities for the future. Importantly, it also secures a well-deserved pay raise for our nobility: our heroic federal firefighters.

"In California, we know the perils of wildfire and drought all too well. Right now, the Oak Fire – the largest wildfire so far this year – is ravaging our state. At the same time, countless of our communities regularly suffer lack of rainfall that can kill crops and further fuel fires. The urgently needed resources that we deliver in this bill will combat fires and droughts, which will only increase in frequency and intensity due to the climate crisis. We are also taking key steps to support low-income communities and communities of color who often bear the brunt of climate devastation, advancing President Biden's and Democrats' unwavering commitment to environmental justice. This bill builds on the important progress we forged in our Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which secured billions to reduce wildfire risk, strengthen water infrastructure and improve community resiliency.

"With this vital legislation, the House proudly honors our most sacred duty as lawmakers: to keep the American people safe from harm. Congress and the Country salute Chairman Raúl Grijalva, Chairman David Scott, Chairman Peter DeFazio and Chairwoman Eddie Bernice Johnson for their committed, tireless leadership on this legislation For The People and for the planet."

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