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As wildfires burn across the West, many Americans have lost their loved ones, their homes and all their possessions. My prayers are with everyone who has been displaced or who is heroically fighting the fires, and I hope these blazes are quickly contained. Unfortunately, fires like this have become so common that we refer to this time of year as "wildfire season." I don't think we just have to accept this as the new normal. In all my years as a forester, I've seen firsthand that scientific forest management works.
Across the West, wildfires are raging. They have already tragically claimed at least 26 lives and displaced thousands more. As I write this, dozens of American cities are dealing with the world's worst air quality, suffering through a thick haze of post-apocalyptic smoke.
When COVID-19 hit the U.S. early this year, about one-third of Americans began working from home to limit contact with others and slow the spread of the virus. However, many people still had to keep their businesses operating in order to keep essential infrastructure in place. Because of their work, we could consistently rely on stocked grocery store shelves and a functioning supply chain.
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) released the following statement after concluding his Everyday Heroes tour:
Eight months into a global pandemic, we've learned a lot about the virus and how to respond, but a lot of questions remain unanswered. With schools and universities reopening and more employees going back into the office, effective testing for COVID-19 is more important than ever. In fact, we already have the technology for widespread, at-home testing. Why is it not more available?
Arkansas students are back to school, ready to tackle a new year. As part of a comprehensive education, I believe parents should have the right to choose the school that's best suited for their child, regardless of their ZIP code.
With more and more people headed back to schools, universities and workplaces, we need a comprehensive plan to mitigate COVID-19 more than ever. In fact, we already have the technology for widespread, at-home testing. Why is it not more available?
Let's look at the background. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted emergency use authorizations (EUAs) for COVID-19 testing in three categories:
If you turn on the news, you'll likely hear someone talking about the Post Office. Let's look at the facts. Speaker Pelosi allowed negotiations on another COVID-19 relief bill to stall in Congress, but she called a so-called "emergency session" of Congress to vote on legislation to fund the Post Office. This is nothing more than a political attempt to capitalize on fears that the USPS is somehow in crisis.
COVID-19 has exposed many Americans to important aspects of our supply chain that, during normal times, usually go unnoticed. Forest products are a perfect example. When the virus struck, grocery store shelves quickly ran out of toilet paper and paper towels, and everyone became aware of just how important a role forestry plays in our daily life. From shipping boxes on your doorstep, to pallets that make shipping possible, to the wooden desk at which you sit, forest products are instrumental to our way of life.
Many businesses are still operating at limited capacity, with fewer staff or entirely remote work. In my offices, we've taken every precaution to ensure staff members' safety, but we are all still ready and able to help you with any issues you may be having with the federal government.