Wildfire mitigation projects caught up in Trump’s spending freeze
Some forest management projects that aim to mitigate wildfire risk are among the projects that have been halted under President Trump’s executive order to freeze spending.
In a letter to the Trump administration sent Monday, 14 Democrats wrote that they were hearing from constituents that “the Bureau of Land Management has issued stop work orders” for projects that aim to reduce wildfire risk.
A statement from the land management bureau confirmed that some projects — those that were funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law — are “undergoing review to ensure consistency with the Executive Order.” The Bureau of Land Management noted, however, that projects funded by the regular congressional appropriations process “are continuing forward across the West.”
The Democrats’ letter was was led by Sens. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.).
In it, they and 10 colleagues raise concerns that halting the programs could raise wildfire risk — and argue that the order is unconstitutional.
“We are imploring you to rescind the order to stop work on these hazardous fuels reduction efforts, as well as any other wildland fire management programs that are working to reduce risk and safeguard communities from catastrophic wildfire,” they wrote in their letter to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and acting Agriculture Secretary Gary Washington.
The Impoundment Control Act “prohibits any action or inaction that precludes Federal funds from being obligated or spent, either temporarily or permanently, without following the strictly circumscribed requirements of that law, which have not been honored in this instance,” they wrote.
The letter comes after devastating wildfires recently hit California, killing at least 29 people. It also comes as a federal judge in Rhode Island is ordering the Trump administration to unfreeze some federal grants.
-
Trump takes aim at 'wasteful' government spending by ordering end to penny production
The president said in a Truth Social post that stopping the mint from coining new pennies is another way to reduce 'wasteful' government spending.CNBC - 15h -
Bracketology: Duke slips to the fourth No. 1 seed, streaking St. John's moves up in projected bracket
The Blue Devils are hanging on to a spot on the top line in Jerry Palm's latest NCAA Tournament bracket projectionCBS Sports - 12h -
Trump vows to cut billions of dollars from US defence spending
President says ‘fraud and abuse’ at Pentagon will be Elon Musk’s next targetFinancial Times - 1d -
Typical homebuyers in Los Angeles, San Francisco and San Diego spend up to 78% of income on housing
In many major U.S. cities, the cost of owning a home is twice what financial planners recommend spending.CNBC - 1d -
China inflation picks up after Lunar New Year spending boost
Yahoo News - 2d -
Trump administration tells states to stop spending on EV charging infrastructure
The Federal Highway Administration directed states to stop spending money for EV charging infrastructure — funds that were allocated under former President Biden.CBS News - 3d -
Silicon Valley and Indian investors spend big as English cricket goes up for sale
Foreign investors have been googly-eyed about English soccer for decadesABC News - 3d -
Trump’s Foreign Aid Freeze Leaves Millions Without HIV Treatment
President Trump’s pause on aid, and the gutting of the primary aid agency, could jeopardize the health of more than 20 million people worldwide, including 500,000 children, experts say.The New York Times - 5d
More from The Hill
-
Mace alleges sexual abuse, rape in stunning House floor speech
Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) made a series of allegations of sexual abuse, rape and voyeurism perpetrated against herself and other women by a group of four men in a personal — and highly unusual — ...The Hill - 3h -
Who is Rod Blagojevich, who was just pardoned by Trump?
President Trump on Monday signed a full and unconditional pardon for Rod Blagojevich, the former Democratic governor of Illinois, who served eight years in prison on corruption charges until Trump ...The Hill - 4h -
Private jets collide at Scottsdale Airport in Arizona, killing at least 1 person, authorities say
At least one person was killed and others were injured when private jets collided Monday afternoon at the Scottsdale Airport in Arizona, authorities said.The Hill - 5h -
Judge temporarily reinstalls fired head of whistleblower protection office
A federal judge temporarily reinstalled the head of the Office of the Special Counsel, allowing Hampton Dellinger to return to his post after he was fired Friday by President Trump. The order from ...The Hill - 5h -
Hegseth moves to implement Trump’s ban on transgender troops
Welcome to The Hill's Defense & NatSec newsletter {beacon} Defense &National Security Defense &National Security The Big Story Hegseth moves to implement Trump’s ban on transgender troops ...The Hill - 6h
More in Politics
-
Judge temporarily reinstates fired ethics watchdog
Hampton Dellinger filed a lawsuit claiming President Donald Trump illegally dismissed him last week.NBC News - 3h -
Mace alleges sexual abuse, rape in stunning House floor speech
Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) made a series of allegations of sexual abuse, rape and voyeurism perpetrated against herself and other women by a group of four men in a personal — and highly unusual — ...The Hill - 3h -
Who is Rod Blagojevich, who was just pardoned by Trump?
President Trump on Monday signed a full and unconditional pardon for Rod Blagojevich, the former Democratic governor of Illinois, who served eight years in prison on corruption charges until Trump ...The Hill - 4h -
Private jets collide at Scottsdale Airport in Arizona, killing at least 1 person, authorities say
At least one person was killed and others were injured when private jets collided Monday afternoon at the Scottsdale Airport in Arizona, authorities said.The Hill - 5h -
Justice Department orders charges against NYC Mayor Eric Adams dismissed
Acting U.S. Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove has ordered federal prosecutors in New York to drop corruption charges against New York Mayor Eric Adams, a senior Justice Department official said ...NBC News - 5h