H.R. 8162 — Introduced in House

I 117th CONGRESS 2d Session H. R. 8162 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES June 21, 2022Mr. O'Halleran introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Agriculture A BILL To direct the Secretary of Agriculture to fill vacancies and increase the number of positions available in the Forest Service Law Enforcement and Investigations organization, and for other purposes. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Forest Service Law Enforcement Enhancement Act of 2022. 2. Filling vacancies and increasing number of positions available in the Forest Service Law Enforcement and Investigations organization (a) In general The Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Chief of the Forest Service, shall— (1) fill all vacancies in the Forest Service Law Enforcement and Investigations organization; and (2) upon filling such vacancies, increase the number of positions available in the Forest Service Law Enforcement and Investigations organization. (b) Priority In seeking to fill vacancies and increase the number of positions under subsection (a), the Secretary shall prioritize filling vacancies and increasing the number of positions in the Forest Service that— (1) are at high or very high risk of wildfires; and (2) are areas of substantial public use. (c) Authorization of Appropriations (1) In general There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2023 and 2024. (2) Administrative expenses Not more than 3 percent of the amount made available for a fiscal year under paragraph (1) may be used by the Secretary for the administrative costs of carrying out this section.