REP LIEU JOINS CALIFORNIA MEMBERS URGING BIDEN TO DECLARE WILDFIRE MAJOR DISASTER

Image

WASHINGTON - Congressman Ted W. Lieu (D-Los Angeles County) joined U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA) and Adam Schiff (D-CA), as well as 47 bipartisan members of the California Congressional delegation in urging President Biden to grant Governor Gavin Newsom's request for a major disaster declaration in response to the devastating wildfires impacting the greater Los Angeles area. President Biden has since quickly approved Governor Gavin Newsom's request for the major disaster declaration, understanding the urgent need to provide relief to residents impacted by these fires.

In the letter, the Members wrote:

Dear President Biden:

We write in support of the State of California's request for a Major Disaster Declaration in response to the Palisades, Eaton, Franklin, and Hurst Fires and the ongoing windstorm event, including subsequent wildfires that may erupt under the current hazardous conditions.

The State has experienced several wildfires since January 7, 2025, when the windstorm event began. The intensity and damages of the wildfires and windstorm continue to overwhelm state resources and require federal assistance, coordination, and action to supplement state and local efforts.

These wildfires have caused widespread damage across Los Angeles County that have threatened the lives and livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of Californians. The wildfires have damaged - and continue to threaten - federal and state highways and roads, critical infrastructure, homes, and buildings. To date, two people have lost their lives, over 1,000 structures, including many residences, have been destroyed, and 110,000 residents are under mandatory evacuation orders.

The severity of these wildfires requires additional coordination and a wider range of long-term federal recovery programs. Therefore, we urge you to expeditiously approve California's request for a Major Disaster Declaration and to provide all categories of public assistance, individual assistance, and direct federal assistance set forth in the Governor's request. Thank you for your consideration of this request.

Sincerely,

Full text of the letter is available here.

###

Issues: Local Issues