Six Months After the Eaton Fire, Rep. Judy Chu Continues to Advocate for Recovery Efforts

PASADENA, CA - Six months after the devastating Los Angeles fires, including the Eaton Fire, which claimed 18 lives, scorched over 14,000 acres, destroyed more than 9,500 structures including homes, businesses, churches, and nonprofit centers, and displaced 20,000 residents-Rep. Judy Chu released the following statement:

"Six months ago, our community was forever changed by the Los Angeles wildfires. Today, we remember the lives lost, the homes destroyed, and the bravery of those who stood in the face of unimaginable devastation, said Rep. Judy Chu." "While we've made tremendous progress in delivering critical aid and coordinating relief on the ground, our work is far from over. We still face urgent challenges like securing affordable, long-term housing for those displaced. That's why I'm working tirelessly in Congress to pass a supplemental assistance package that will fulfill Governor Newsom's request for $40 billion in additional disaster aid to ensure that every survivor has the resources they need to recover and rebuild. As climate change fuels more frequent and devastating natural disasters across the country, we must remember that natural disasters have no political affiliations. And neither should our response. Every American deserves swift and fair federal aid no matter where they live or who they voted for."

From the moment the fires began, Rep. Judy Chu has worked to secure every possible resource for Altadena and Pasadena.

On January 7, 2025, the Eaton Fire ignited. Rep. Chu immediately returned from Washington, D.C., to ensure residents receive urgent assistance and support the first responders working around the clock.

On January 8, Governor Gavin Newsom, with support from Rep. Chu and the California Congressional Delegation, formally requested a federal emergency declaration. President Biden swiftly approved the request, unlocking 100% reimbursement of firefighting costs and deploying federal agencies like FEMA and the SBA to provide immediate support.

By January 10, after joining FEMA's Administrator for a site tour and briefing, Rep. Chu released a comprehensive resource guide to help survivors access aid.

On January 17, Rep. Chu hosted a telephone town hall with representatives from local, state, and federal agencies to address community concerns around recovery and rebuilding.

On January 22, Rep. Chu demanded an independent investigation into deadly evacuation order delays issued in western Altadena during the start of the Eaton Fire.

On January 25, during President Trump's visit to California, Rep. Chu personally urged him not to forget the people of Altadena and Pasadena and to deliver additional disaster aid without conditions.

Throughout January and February, Rep. Chu led several Congressional delegations, including Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Republican colleagues, to witness the devastation and build bipartisan support for relief efforts.

On February 4, ahead of his meeting with President Trump, Governor Newsom met with Rep. Chu, Rep. Sherman, and Rep. Whitesides to align disaster relief efforts on behalf of Los Angeles fire survivors.

On February 20, Rep. Chu hosted a community town hall at Metropolitan Baptist Church in Altadena with FEMA, the EPA, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to answer questions and address concerns regarding the federal debris removal program.

On March 4, Rep. Chu welcomed Eaton Fire survivor and lifelong educator Dianne Lewis to attend President Trump's Joint Address to Congress as her guest.

On March 6, Rep. Chu and a bipartisan coalition of Members introduced H.R. 1914, the HIRE CREDIT Act to help victims of federally-declared disasters return to the workforce.

On April 3, the House unanimously passed Rep. Chu's and Rep. David Kustoff's legislation - H.R. 517, the Filing Relief for Natural Disasters Act! This bill allows the IRS to immediately extend federal tax filing deadlines for victims of natural disasters, even those that are not federally-declared disasters.

On April 17, Rep. Chu introduced H.R. 2928, the Mortgage Relief for Disaster Survivors Act, to provide mortgage forbearance for homeowners impacted by the Eaton Fire and other natural disasters.

On May 20, alongside Rep. Brad Sherman, Rep. Chu hosted a roundtable with California Members of Congress and Los Angeles County officials to assess ongoing recovery efforts from the Palisades and Eaton Fires.

On May 27, Rep. Chu convened a wildfire recovery housing roundtable in Altadena focused on addressing the urgent need for stable, long-term housing. Nonprofits, advocates, and government leaders came together to find solutions for displaced families.

On June 3, Rep. Chu led a letter with California Delegation Members to FEMA urging them to provide comprehensive soil testing and a remediation plan for fire-affected properties in Los Angeles County.

On June 16, Rep. Chu led California lawmakers in a letter calling on FEMA to expand housing assistance for fire survivors.

As of July 2025, FEMA has delivered $141 million in federal disaster assistance to eligible LA County residents affected by the wildfires, including $45 million in housing assistance.

Today, Rep. Chu continues to fight for critical disaster aid by urging President Trump and House Republicans to fulfill Governor Newsom's request and pass much-needed relief legislation.

"This fight is far from over, and I remain committed to ensuring that every survivor receives the resources they need to recover and rebuild, said Rep. Chu."