Newhouse, Schrier Invite Cabinet Secretaries to Visit Wildfire Devastation

Congress members Dan Newhouse, Kim Schrier and Cathy McMorris Rodgers are inviting U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and Interior Secretary Deb Haaland to Central Washington for a first hand look at the destruction caused by recent wildfires.

Newhouse said the loss of property, livestock and timber is an example of what happens when we don't adequately manage our forests.

"Congress has responded and passed several measures over the last several years to help in accomplishing the management on the federal lands, but we've got to have the leadership in these agencies on board, focused and committed to getting that work done," stated Newhouse.

Almost one year ago the Cold Springs and Pearl Hill fires began and burned over 413,000 acres. That same Labor Day weekend, the towns of Malden and Pine Springs were largely destroyed.

The full statement from the lawmakers can be found here.