May 21, 2025
Mr. Neguse (for himself, Mr. Huffman, Ms. Salinas, Ms. Elfreth, Ms. DeGette, Mr. Peters, Ms. Sewell, Mr. Fields, Mr. Lynch, Ms. Norton, Ms. Pettersen, Ms. Tlaib, Mr. Davis of Illinois, Ms. Strickland, Mr. Krishnamoorthi, Ms. Brownley, Mr. Quigley, Ms. Dexter, Ms. Ansari, Mr. Magaziner, Mr. Levin, Ms. Bynum, Mr. Thanedar, Mr. Cleaver, and Mr. Min) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Agriculture, and in addition to the Committee on Natural Resources, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned
To ensure that the Forest Service is fully staffed, and for other purposes.
Section 1. Short title
This Act may be cited as the Save Our Forests Act of 2025
.
Sec. 2. Definitions
In this Act:
(1) National Forest System
The term National Forest System has the meaning given the term in section 11(a) of the Forest and Rangeland Renewable Resources Planning Act of 1974 (16 U.S.C. 1609(a)).
(2) Secretary
The term Secretary means the Secretary of Agriculture.
Sec. 3. Forest Service staffing and personnel
Not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act, using funds previously appropriated to the Secretary for such purposes, the Secretary shall—
(1)
increase staffing necessary to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of National Forest System land to meet the needs of present and future generations; and
(2)
reinstate any individuals who were involuntarily removed or otherwise terminated from employment with the Forest Service during the period beginning on January 20, 2025, and ending on the date of enactment of this Act.
Sec. 4. Continuation of authorized Forest Service projects
The Secretary shall continue to carry out each project of the Forest Service for which funds are authorized or appropriated under—
(1)
the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (16 U.S.C. 6801 et seq.);
(2)
section 200303 of title 54, United States Code;
(3)
chapter 2004 of title 54, United States Code;
(4)
the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Public Law 117–58; 135 Stat. 429); or
(5)
Public Law 117–169 (commonly known as the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022
) (136 Stat. 1818).