South OC Times

U.S. Representative Young Kim (CA-40) addressed the House floor to advocate for the Fix Our Forests Act (H.R. 8790). This legislative package includes the Wildfire Technology Demonstration, Evaluation, Modernization, and Optimization (DEMO) Act (H.R. 4235), a bipartisan initiative led by Rep. Kim aimed at providing first responders with access to emerging technologies to combat wildfires.

The DEMO Act proposes that private entities partner with federal land management agencies to test wildfire technologies in conjunction with ongoing hazardous fuels mitigation activities and training. The pilot program is set for seven years and will be developed jointly by the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of the Interior.

Rep. Kim emphasized the urgency of this act in her speech: "Thank you, Chairman Westerman, for yielding. I rise in strong support of H.R. 8790 – The Fix Our Forests Act."

She highlighted the recent wildfire incidents affecting her constituents: "The fear facing many of my constituents during California’s peak wildfire season, especially in the canyon communities close to the Cleveland National Forest, became a reality in recent weeks as multiple wildfires burn simultaneously in Southern California, including the Airport Fire in my district."

The Airport Fire has already burned over 23,500 acres across Orange and Riverside Counties. Rep. Kim expressed gratitude towards first responders: "I am grateful to the first responders who are working day and night to keep our community safe."

She also underscored the necessity for advanced tools for these first responders: "Times like these also show us that first responders need all tools available to protect our communities and respond to the ever-changing threat that wildfires pose."

Rep. Kim introduced the DEMO Act after consultations with firefighting agencies and technology developers: "This bipartisan legislation aims to deploy more emerging technologies to fight wildfires by allowing private entities to partner with federal land management agencies to test wildfire technologies in a 7-year pilot program."

She described it as beneficial for both private entities and federal agencies: "This is a win-win for private entities looking to test their technologies at-scale and federal land management agencies working to deploy emerging technologies to help combat wildfires."

Rep. Kim acknowledged several colleagues for their support: "I would like to thank my friend Representative Crow for his partnership on the DEMO Act, as well as Chairman Westerman and Representative Peters for including my legislation in this important and timely bill to keep our communities and forests safe from wildfires."

In conclusion, she urged her fellow lawmakers: "I urge my colleagues to vote YES on H.R. 8790. Thank you, and I yield back."