The White House has already proposed slashing next year’s hazardous fuels removal budget from $201 million to $116 million

WASHINGTON — The Obama administration’s decision to cut 500 forest firefighting positions as a cost saving measure could ultimately cost taxpayers more money if this year’s wildfire season blows out of control.

That’s according to Mark Rey, the Agriculture Department undersecretary for natural resources and environment for President George W. Bush, who told The Observer that the sequestration spending cuts should not leave Colorado short-handed this summer. Read more »

Reports have suggested that high-ranking State Department officials covered up or influenced multiple investigations

WASHINGTON — A Colorado House Republican indicated he was troubled by allegations that State Department employees engaged in illegal activities and the agency’s internal watchdog sought to cover them up.

Rep. Doug Lamborn of Colorado Springs lamented the mere suggestion that personnel from the U.S. Department of State and the Diplomatic Security Service might have engaged in unprofessional and unethical behavior. Read more »

McCONNELL: “I’m going to need more than an assurance from Secretary (Janet) Napolitano … that the border is secure.”

WASHINGTON — As Senate Republicans floated competing proposals to boost border security, Sen. Michael Bennet signaled an openness to amendments that seek to prevent foreign nationals from crossing into the country illegally. Read more »