WASHINGTON (AP) — A House panel has approved legislation that would lead to greater harvesting of trees on federal lands as part of a Republican-led plan to replace a recently expired program that has sent billions of dollars to rural counties to help them operate their schools and provide other essential services.
Republicans used their majority to pass the bill in committee by a vote of 26-17 even though prospects for passage in the long run are slight. A mandate leading to increased logging, grazing and other activities is unlikely to go far in the Senate.
Nevertheless, the debate signals the renewal of a longtime political battle as lawmakers attempt to replace the so-called timber payments program.
