Westerman's forest-managing bill languishes as fires rage

With flames charring forests across much of the South, legislation to overhaul federal forest management remains motionless on Capitol Hill, stuck in the U.S. Senate after passing in the U.S. House of Representatives more than a year ago. Opposition from the White House helped slow the legislation, which provides a mechanism to increase firefighting dollars but also eases environmental restrictions in some instances. U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman, the bill's original sponsor, said he remains hopeful that its key provisions will be included in a larger energy bill that lawmakers hope to pass by year's end. If not, the Hot Springs Republican said, he is confident that the proposal will advance once President-elect Donald Trump and his appointees take office...more