No fucking way. I didn't think they'd be stupid enough to even attempt this, but here we are.
Apparent the GOP wants to spell out very literally how much contempt they have for their own constituents, and Americans at large. Idiotic beyond belief.
this post was submitted on 20 May 2025
46 points (97.9% liked)
politics
23548 readers
3456 users here now
Welcome to the discussion of US Politics!
Rules:
- Post only links to articles, Title must fairly describe link contents. If your title differs from the site’s, it should only be to add context or be more descriptive. Do not post entire articles in the body or in the comments.
Links must be to the original source, not an aggregator like Google Amp, MSN, or Yahoo.
Example:
- Articles must be relevant to politics. Links must be to quality and original content. Articles should be worth reading. Clickbait, stub articles, and rehosted or stolen content are not allowed. Check your source for Reliability and Bias here.
- Be civil, No violations of TOS. It’s OK to say the subject of an article is behaving like a (pejorative, pejorative). It’s NOT OK to say another USER is (pejorative). Strong language is fine, just not directed at other members. Engage in good-faith and with respect! This includes accusing another user of being a bot or paid actor. Trolling is uncivil and is grounds for removal and/or a community ban.
- No memes, trolling, or low-effort comments. Reposts, misinformation, off-topic, trolling, or offensive. Similarly, if you see posts along these lines, do not engage. Report them, block them, and live a happier life than they do. We see too many slapfights that boil down to "Mom! He's bugging me!" and "I'm not touching you!" Going forward, slapfights will result in removed comments and temp bans to cool off.
- Vote based on comment quality, not agreement. This community aims to foster discussion; please reward people for putting effort into articulating their viewpoint, even if you disagree with it.
- No hate speech, slurs, celebrating death, advocating violence, or abusive language. This will result in a ban. Usernames containing racist, or inappropriate slurs will be banned without warning
We ask that the users report any comment or post that violate the rules, to use critical thinking when reading, posting or commenting. Users that post off-topic spam, advocate violence, have multiple comments or posts removed, weaponize reports or violate the code of conduct will be banned.
All posts and comments will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. This means that some content that violates the rules may be allowed, while other content that does not violate the rules may be removed. The moderators retain the right to remove any content and ban users.
That's all the rules!
Civic Links
• Congressional Awards Program
• Library of Congress Legislative Resources
• U.S. House of Representatives
Partnered Communities:
• News
founded 2 years ago
MODERATORS
Recreational outfitting? What is this? Like tour guides and park rangers?
Nvrmnd. I just looked this up, this is about using slave labor to fight wild fires and I don’t care for the idea whatsoever.
I have read the entire House Report- where are you seeing that this bill creates the ability to use slave labor on fires?
I believe they're referring to the fact that prisoners have been used in firefighting efforts, but they're still subject to minimum wage and maximum hours laws when they do that work. With this amendment they could be paid nothing and thrown at fires with no rest until their bodies give out.
That would make sense. I was looking for any mention of Penal employees or prison labor of some kind, but was unable to find it. I guess I was naive for thinking they just meant free employees.
Well, the original bill itself wouldn't have been written with this in mind, but the update was definitely written in such a way that it applies to everyone but can be used against prisoners as well.
These are the kind of activities typically covered under "outfitting" in U.S. law:
- Guided hiking/backpacking tours
- Guided fishing trips
- Guided hunting trips
- Guided horseback riding tours
- Guided kayaking/canoeing/rafting trips
- Guided wildlife viewing tours
- Guided photography/sightseeing tours
- Renting camping/backpacking gear
- Renting fishing equipment
- Renting hunting gear (e.g. blinds, tree stands)
- Renting water sports equipment (kayaks, canoes, rafts)
- Renting horses and related tack/equipment
- Renting photography/optics equipment
- Providing shuttle services for outdoor activities
- Catering and food services for guided outdoor trips
- Providing lodging and accommodation services for outdoor activities
- Operating ski/snowboard equipment rental shops
- Offering guided winter sports activities (skiing, snowshoeing, etc.)
- Providing guide services for off-road vehicle tours
- Operating retail stores selling outdoor gear and equipment
So I think in addition to fighting fires, they basically want to replace the park rangers they fired with prisoners.
Yeah, that all tracks with our current admin. Mildly surprised that I couldn't catch that from reading the House Report. Damn villainous method to make slave labor legal again. Especially for a job where you risk your life consistently, like wildfire fighters.
I have read the bill from beginning to end- it's literally just a bill to increase employment of the US Forest Service fire fighting team. It has a section that also makes it so the Secretary of Ag has the power to expedite the hiring process. The part that is concerning adds a stipulation about how they are able to exercise that power.
E.g.: "DHA expedites hiring by removing competitive rating and ranking, preferences for certain candidates, and requirements to consider the top three candidates."
I am not saying this is good legislation, I am just confused by the language, and have no idea what all this will impact.
ETA: Nvm, this legislation is fucked. It allows hiring prisoners for no pay.
I have the exact same question
What is the justification?
They don't want to pay you?
The word "slave" is frowned upon?
I shouldn't pay for shit like this.