Joe Neguse Questions Forest Service Chief on Deferred Resignations and Firefighter Safety

Deferred Resignation Program Concerns

• 🎯 Representative Joe Neguse questioned Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz about the agency's deferred resignation program.
• 💡 Neguse criticized the program, stating that allowing red card holders to leave before wildfire season is a mistake.
• ⚠️ The Chief clarified that the program was intended to address a budget shortfall and firefighters were not eligible to participate.
• 🗣️ Neguse urged the administration not to pursue similar programs in the future and to clearly communicate that employees are not encouraged to leave.

Wildland Firefighter Pay and Support

• 💰 Neguse expressed support for a pay waiver for wildland firefighters, noting that an amendment to include this in the NDAA was voted down by Republicans.
• 🤝 He urged Chief Schultz to advocate for this pay waiver, especially given the agency serves under a Republican Secretary of Agriculture and a Republican President.

Toxic Smoke Exposure and PPE

• 📰 Neguse inquired about the agency's consideration of providing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for toxic smoke exposure, referencing a New York Times article.
• 😷 Chief Schultz stated that N95 masks are available to firefighters upon request and are provided on fires, though respirators are not.
• 📢 Neguse suggested the Forest Service should publicly announce the availability of N95 masks to ensure all firefighters are aware.
• ❤️ The Chief emphasized the agency's serious commitment to firefighter health, encompassing both physical and psychological well-being.