On Anniversary of the Southern California Fires, Rep. George Whitesides Demands Federal Action on Wildfire Recovery

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, on the one-year anniversary of the devastating Southern California wildfires, Rep. George Whitesides led a letter with 42 members of the California delegation demanding immediate federal action to support survivors and strengthen long-term wildfire resilience, calling on the White House and Congress to deliver long-overdue supplemental disaster funding.

At a press conference commemorating the anniversary, Rep. Whitesides honored the work of the firefighters and first responders who risked their lives to keep communities safe and prevent further devastation. He reiterated the importance of the federal government's role in disaster relief, and how federal relief should never be tied to partisan politics.

"One year after wildfires devastated Southern California, our communities are still rebuilding, and families have yet to return home," said Rep. George Whitesides. "The federal government must step up, as it has done time and time again in the event of natural disasters, to provide the long-overdue aid needed to fully recover. It is thanks to the brave firefighters and first responders that we were able to prevent further destruction in our district and across the region, but wildfires are not going away. As we mark one year since this tragedy, we need to recommit to passing real reforms that address this crisis and keep our communities safe."

In December, the State of California submitted a revised $33.9 billion supplemental disaster funding request that would assist with rebuilding homes and schools, restoring critical infrastructure and small businesses, and helping communities recover safely and durably from the fires. The January 2025 wildfires destroyed more than 16,000 structures, displaced over 200,000 residents, and claimed 31 lives, making them among the most destructive disasters in California history. While debris removal, temporary housing, and infrastructure stabilization are underway, seven in ten survivors have not yet returned home, and many continue to rely on unstable or short-term housing.

Rep. Whitesides brings a deep personal commitment to solving America's wildfire crisis. Before entering Congress, he co-founded an organization dedicated to combating megafires and advancing fire science. In his first term, he has helped introduce critical pieces of legislation like the Fix Our Forests Act, BRUSH Act, Wildfire Recovery Act, Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act, and the Wildland Firefighter Paycheck Protection Act. As a member of the bipartisan Wildfire Caucus, Rep. Whitesides continues to champion legislation to improve disaster recovery and invest in wildfire resilience.

You can watch the full press conference here.

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