During a Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources hearing on the U.S. Forest Service's fiscal year 2016 budget request, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich called for solutions to local businesses and organizations that face significant delays when applying for recreational permits on national forests. Recreational outings serve as educational opportunities for students and are therapeutic for veterans recovering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. The committee heard testimony from U.S. Forest Service Chief Thomas Tidwell.