Representative Debo Powers of House District 3 in Montana is concerned about the firing of 1,000 National Park Service employees and almost 4,400 U.S. Forest Service employees, as well as the freeze on appropriated funds. Powers believes these actions may be a deliberate attempt to break federal land management agencies and pave the way for privatization, which goes against the wishes of Montanans who love their public lands.
Powers is disappointed in the opposing votes of the federal delegation on Senate budget resolution amendments to reinstate federal workers, protect wild land firefighters’ jobs, and prevent the selloff of public lands. The loss of staff will have devastating effects on land protection, management, and surrounding communities. Powers is calling on Congress to enact a moratorium on federal workforce cuts in the Crown of the Continent area and fully fund and staff land management agencies to keep public lands public.
Powers emphasizes the importance of public lands to the communities in House District 3, especially in terms of wildfire protection, economic benefits from outdoor recreation, and safety concerns for summer visitors. Powers urges Congress to show leadership and courage in protecting public lands and the livelihoods of Montanans, even if it means standing up against friends and allies.
