Funding bill to provide emergency cash to U.S. Forest Service The stopgap measure includes $500 million in emergency spending to cover unexpected U.S. Forest Service firefighting costs, $250 million for hazardous fuels management and $25 million to boost firefighter retention efforts. "We were facing devastating cuts to maintenance, services and even fire prevention in some areas," Inland Rep. Jerry Lewis, R-Redlands, said in a statement announcing the new funds. "Congress and the President have responded with this emergency funding increase to ensure that we do not create an even worse fire threat in the future." The $500 million, signed just before the close of the federal fiscal year on Sept. 30, eliminates the need throughout the U.S. Forest Service for cutbacks, Lewis spokesman Jim Specht said Wednesday. The House and Senate passed the bill last week....