South OC Times

Congressman Darrell Issa has introduced new legislation aimed at expediting the federal hiring process for firefighters. The proposed bill, named Direct Hire to Fight Fire, seeks to grant permanent authority to federal firefighting agencies to streamline the recruitment of essential firefighting personnel.

Issa highlighted the urgency of this reform by referencing recent brushfires in Los Angeles. "The brushfires and heartbreak unfolding in Los Angeles is yet another wake-up call for my state and indeed the nation to change the policies that contributed to this tragedy," he stated. He emphasized that delays in hiring result in unfilled critical positions, prolonging fires unnecessarily. "We need this common-sense federal hiring process to bring every available resource where it is needed most," Issa added.

The legislation specifically targets the Forest Service, allowing it expedited hiring capabilities. This move is crucial as 58 percent of California's forestlands are federally owned and managed, yet the Forest Service currently faces limitations in using Direct Hire Authority (DHA). In 2022, DHA enabled the Forest Service to hire 4,860 fire positions compared to just 16 without it. The bill proposes granting Congress the ability to delegate DHA to the Secretaries of Agriculture and Interior for faster firefighter appointments.

Issa also recalled past wildfires in his home region of San Diego and Riverside Counties, including notorious incidents like The Cedar Fire and Valley Fire. He stressed the importance of taking decisive action: "We owe it to our communities as well as future generations to act decisively and pass this bill."

Darrell Issa represents California’s 48th Congressional District, covering parts of San Diego County and Riverside County. His political career includes serving as Chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform from 2011-2015.