Press Release of Agriculture Committee Senate Approves Healthy Forests Restoration Act Chairman Cochran credits common ground commitment to forest protection Thursday, October 30, 2003 U.S. Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee Chairman Thad Cochran (R-MS) said that Thursday evening’s 80 to 14 Senate passage of the “Healthy Forests Restoration Act” (HR 1904) is a major step forward in protecting forest communities and addressing the health of our nation’s forest resources. “I am pleased that the Senate has acted decisively on this important legislation,” said Cochran. “The protections provided under this legislation will ensure the responsible management of our forest resources, improve soil and water quality and protect wildlife habitat.” This legislation passed by the Senate authorizes $760 million dollars annually for projects to remove dead trees and underbrush. At least half of the funds will be used near residential forest communities; the remaining funds in forests where fire hazards are critical and watersheds and reservoirs are most threatened. A conference committee will resolve differences between versions of the legislation passed by the Senate and the House of Representatives. Documents, hearings and background 214377