3-14 IAT Simpson Fires

 Simpson Secures Wildfire Funding in House Budget Bill.  Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson recently supported a continuing resolution that extends government operations through the end of the fiscal year with a provision specifying that cuts under sequestration must be enacted for all non-security accounts as required by current law.  Simpson, who chairs the House Interior and Environment Appropriations Subcommittee, was instrumental in ensuring that the CR included adequate funding for fire suppression shortfalls in FY13. H.R. 933 provides $570 million to address shortfalls in fire accounts.

 Congressman  Simpson’s spokesperson Nikki Watts spoke with me: “Idaho and the West faced an intense fire season in 2013, requiring more funding than initially budgeted to protect communities and manage resources. While we do our best to predict a fire season and budget accordingly, some years are worse than expected, and it’s not until all is said and done that we can take stock of the costs and respond appropriately.”