WASHINGTON, July 17 -- The office of Sen. Mark Udall, D-Colo., issued the following news release:

Mark Udall praised the Obama Administration for issuing a new regulation to allow temporary federal firefighters - many of whom are fighting or have fought the recent wildfires in Colorado - to access the same health care benefits federal employees receive. The rule goes into effect today.

"I am pleased with the Administration's swift action to ensure that our brave firefighters have access to the health coverage they need and deserve," Udall said. "I will continue to do all that I can to support firefighters on the front lines who are battling our nation's wildfires. We cannot forget everything they have done to save lives and protect homes during this year's severe fire season in Colorado and across the West."

Earlier this month, Udall joined Senator Michael Bennet in thanking President Obama, the U.S. Forest Service, and the U.S. Department of Interior for making this issue a priority.

TNS-AD120718-JF78-3954571 StaffFurigay