U.S. Senator Tim Sheehy (R–Mont.) led a coalition of 16 Republican lawmakers in sending a letter to former President Donald J. Trump, voicing strong support for potential executive action aimed at strengthening America’s wildfire response.
In the letter, the lawmakers urged Trump to pursue executive-level reforms to streamline federal wildfire response efforts, increase interagency cooperation, and remove bureaucratic barriers that have hindered effective wildfire mitigation.
“While some improvements to our federal wildfire response will require congressional action, we believe executive action offers the most immediate path to fostering interagency cohesion, streamlining outdated processes, and ensuring a robust response to wildfires,” the lawmakers wrote. “We stand ready to fully support your leadership in protecting American communities from the devastating impacts of catastrophic wildfires.”
The letter comes amid growing concerns about increasingly severe wildfire seasons, particularly in the West. Montana and other states have faced more frequent and intense wildfires in recent years, prompting calls for urgent reforms in land management and emergency response.
Joining Sheehy in signing the letter were Senators John Barrasso (R–Wyo.), Ted Budd (R–N.C.), Steve Daines (R–Mont.), Cynthia Lummis (R–Wyo.), and Markwayne Mullin (R–Okla.), along with Representatives Doug LaMalfa (R–Calif.), Stephanie Bice (R–Okla.), Lauren Boebert (R–Colo.), Ken Calvert (R–Calif.), Ben Cline (R–Va.), Eli Crane (R–Ariz.), Jeff Crank (R–Colo.), Troy Downing (R–Mont.), Jeff Hurd (R–Colo.), Tim Moore (R–N.C.), and Ryan Zinke (R–Mont.).
The letter follows Trump’s inclusion of wildfire preparedness and reforms to the Federal Wildland Fire Service in his Fiscal Year 2026 budget priorities, signaling a renewed focus on forest management and disaster readiness.
By: DNU staff