Allsenators briefing. The presiding officer without objection. Mr. Daines mr. President , i left montana yesterday morning to come back here to washington, d. C. , to do the work of the American People. But, as always, my heart remains in big sky country. Thats especially true right now as fires burn across our state. In fact, just yesterday, of the top 30 wildfires in the nation, 28 of those 30 wildfires were in montana. Our crisis in montana isnt water, its not too much water. Its not hurricanes. Its fire. It is smoke filling the air and filling our lungs. Its communities being evacuat evacuated, montanans standing on the side of the road looking at the fires moving toward their homes. Weve seen the loss of homes and many structures, and theyre looking at the tons of fuel just lying on the forest floor waiting for a spark to ignite. In fact, in this year alone, over 1,600 fires have burned nearly one million acres in montana. Thats nearly the size of the entire state of delaware. At
With Hurricane Harvey response money and debt level increase and the senate is likely to consider later this afternoon and senators will be meeting behind closed doors to be greeted by top defense. And take a break while they meet for the party lunches theyll be discussing policy. Live coverage of the senate here on cspan2. The presiding officer the senate will come to order. The chaplain, dr. Barry black, will lead the senate in prayer. The chaplain let us pray. Almighty god, our refuge and strength, a very present help in turbulent times, thank you that though evil seems to prosper, you continue to guard and guide us with your loving providence. Lord, the challenges that our lawmakers face require more than human wisdom. Please shower our senators with your wisdom, directing them through lifes complexities to your desired destination. Remind them daily that human life is as fleeting as fading flowers and withering grass. May they find peace in the knowledge that you love and accept t
The collaboration that is what iron to reduce risk to firefighters, communities, and resources and some of the emerging technologies that are changing the way that fires are managed. We are now well into the 2017 fire season. It is certainly a very active one. My friend from montana, i think, is going to share some of what is happening in his state this morning. I think it is appropriate to recognize the heroic acts of the men and women who fight these fires throughout the season. And to recognize the firefighter from montana. And to recognize the firefighter from montana. I will talk about it in my remarks but we lost a firefighter last night in montana. It is our second fatality in two weeks. Know that our hearts and our prayers are with the families but again, this speaks to the realities that we face with our wildfires and are fires around the country, that this is dangerous and unpredictable work. Our thoughts and our prayers are with those who are serving. As of august 1, nearly
Hackers started getting jobs doing security. Next well hear from federal and local officials on some of the technologies that can be used to reduce and prevent wildfires across the country. They testified at a Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Hearing this month. This is just under two hours. Good morning. The committee will come to order. Were here today to take a look at wildfire, to examine our wildFire Management program, the collaboration that is required to reduce risks firefighters, to communities, and resources and some of the emerging technologies that are changing the way that fires are managed. We now well into the 2017 fire season. Certainly a very active one. My friend from montana, i think, is going to share some of what is happening in his state this morning, and i think it is appropriate to recognize the heroic acts of the man and women who fight these fires throughout the season, and to recognize the loss of the firefighter in montana. Senator . Madam chair