A group of over 60 House Democrats has formally opposed a proposed reorganization of the U.S. Forest Service.
The plan would close 57 of 77 research stations across 31 states. - The letter warns the cuts would increase wildfire risk and worsen a staffing crisis.
- The agency lost an estimated 25% of its staff in 2025 due to Trump administration actions. - Lawmakers urge the USDA to halt the plan and consult Congress.
The proposal threatens to eliminate the agency's research program, which studies wildfire, drought, and pests, just as the U.S. faces a predicted devastating fire season.