On May 20, Representatives Jared Huffman (D-CA) and Joe Neguse (D-CO), announced the recent introduction of the Public Lands Workforce Stability Act (H.R. 8523). This measure would prohibit Reductions in Force (RIFs) at the Department of the Interior (DOI) and the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) through the end of Fiscal Year 2030. In a press release, the Congress Members argued that staffing reductions since January 2025 have weakened both agencies’ capacity to manage wildfires; maintain infrastructure; protect watersheds and wildlife habitat; and carry out other core functions. According to Representative Huffman’s office, the Forest Service and National Park Service have each lost roughly a quarter of their workforce since the start of the current administration.
Representative Huffman is the Ranking Member of the House Natural Resources Committee, while Representative Neguse serves as Ranking Member of the Federal Lands Subcommittee. Their announcement is available HERE, and the full text of the measure is available HERE.
For additional information, contact RCRC Senior Policy Advocate Staci Heaton.