A major federal effort to address worsening conditions in America’s forests is gaining momentum on Capitol Hill, as lawmakers advance bipartisan legislation aimed at improving forest health. Supporters say the problem has been building for years and has been repeatedly highlighted by people who live and work closest to the land, including hunters, conservation advocates, rural residents, and forest managers.

Earlier this session, the U.S. House of Representatives approved H.R. 471, known as the Fix Our Forests Act. The measure is a stated priority of the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), which has been urging action to confront what it describes as a forest health crisis affecting habitat and increasing wildfire danger.

The bill is sponsored by Rep. Bruce Westerman of Arkansas, the chairman of the House Natural Resources Committee. Backers emphasize that Westerman’s role as committee chair places him at the center of congressional work on public lands and forest policy, and they argue that his leadership reflects an on-the-ground understanding of the challenges that have been accumulating across many forested regions.

Proponents frame the legislation as a practical response focused on restoring habitat while also lowering the likelihood and severity of catastrophic wildfires. The argument behind the push is that delaying action has real consequences for communities near forested areas and for those who rely on healthy habitat for wildlife and outdoor recreation.

From a limited-government perspective, supporters also point to the value of timely, targeted management decisions that reduce risks before disasters occur, rather than relying on costly emergency responses after fires break out. With House passage completed, advocates are pressing for continued progress as Congress considers next steps for the Fix Our Forests Act.