Greetings All,

Following the announcement from Congressman Doc Hastings that he would be introducing the CFA, you have heard little more.  Here’s the scoop.  The introduction of the CFA has not taken place, yet.  The delay is due to concerns about which committee the Bill would be assigned to.  We have been focused on the Natural Resources Subcommittee on National Park, Forests and Public Lands.  Mr. Jim Streeter, who is working for Cong. Doc Hastings and is the minority Staff Director for the Natural Resources Committee, believes that the bill, as written, would probably be referred instead to the Agriculture Committee and then assigned to a sub-committee that has few members representing cabin states.  We are concerned that this subcommittee’s interest level in our concerns would be less than with the Forests Subcommittee.  Therefore, we have made a few slight changes that we hope will encourage the House Parliamentarian, who refers all bills to designated committees, to send the CFA to Natural Resources.  None of the substance of the bill will be changed, only that we are suggesting a study to include Bureau of Reclamation cabins and targeting cabins on the Forest Reserves because the Natural Resources Committee has that jurisdiction.  These are minor technical and/or temporary revisions to the bill that we hope will influence the assignment in our favor.

A tentative hearing date was set for February 25.  However, with the question about committee assignments and the total shutdown in DC due to record snow and the Congressional recess (just like in grade school) planned for next week, we believe there will be a change in that date.  Regardless, C2 has been pressing ahead with planning and organizing for that hearing date.  Testimony is being written, supporting documents are being finalized and organized and potential witnesses are being identified.  We are doing our best to present a clear, concise picture of the problem to Congress and present a solid defensible solution in the CFA.

I’ll update everyone just as soon as we get the word from Aubrey about the bill introduction and committee assignments. In the meantime, you can be preparing your next appeal to your Congressmen and women to support and co-sponsor the CFA.  Wishing all well.

Peter D. Bailey

NFH Director & C2 Legislative Contact chair