Rep. Torres Continues Push for Federal Disaster Aid to Help Families Rebuild After the Devastating LA Wildfires

Rep. Torres Continues Push for Federal Disaster Aid to Help Families Rebuild After the Devastating LA Wildfires

Washington D.C. - Congresswoman Norma Torres (CA-35), a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, introduced an amendment during the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) full committee markup as she continues to push for LA wildfire aid to help communities recover and rebuild.

The amendment would increase federal funding for housing, infrastructure, and economic recovery efforts in disaster-impacted communities, including those devastated by the January 2025 Southern California wildfires.

"California communities are still rebuilding from some of the most destructive natural disasters in our state's history," said Congresswoman Torres. "Families who lost everything, small businesses struggling to reopen, and local governments working to restore critical infrastructure cannot afford delays or uncertainty. Congress has a responsibility to ensure federal resources are available to help communities recover stronger and more resilient than before. The federal government has always stepped in to help Americans during their most desperate moments, and it is shameful that the Trump Administration refuses to do the same."

The January 2025 Southern California wildfires destroyed more than 16,000 structures, leaving thousands of families displaced and causing billions of dollars in damage to homes, businesses, transportation networks, and public infrastructure.

Congresswoman Torres emphasized the importance of robust federal investments, including Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funding, which provides critical assistance for rebuilding homes, supporting local businesses, repairing infrastructure, and implementing mitigation measures that reduce the impact of future disasters. The amendment also recognizes the need for stronger coordination between federal disaster recovery programs to ensure communities receive assistance quickly and efficiently.

"Disaster relief should not depend on a state's politics. When disaster strikes other states, Congress steps up. California should be no different. As the fourth-largest economy in the world, California helps drive America's prosperity, yet our communities are too often forced to fight for the resources they are owed after devastating disasters," Torres continued."Families who lost their homes, small businesses struggling to reopen, and communities rebuilding critical infrastructure deserve action not delays and excuses. The federal government must provide California with the support necessary to recover and rebuild. These investments are critical to restoring communities, reopening businesses, repairing damaged roads and transit systems, and helping families return home."

As a member of the Committee that oversees government spending, Congresswoman Torres has continued to push for disaster aid. Last month, she confronted Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Turner on the Trump Administration's refusal to help Californians and led an amendment to provide $4.3 billion in Economic Development funding for states that received Major Disaster Declarations in 2025 and 2026, including the Los Angeles Wildfires. She will keep fighting for emergency supplemental funding to support the long-term recovery efforts from the Los Angeles-area wildfires.

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