Rep. Chu Leads Members of California Congressional Delegation on Tour of Eaton Fire Destruction

PHOTOS: Rep. Chu leads tour of Eaton Fire damage with California Congressional Delegation, supports ongoing response and relief efforts

PASADENA, CA - Today, Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28), whose congressional district includes the communities most impacted by the Eaton Fire in Los Angeles County, led Members of Congress from California on a tour of destroyed neighborhoods and streets in Altadena and northern Pasadena. The Members also heard from the Pasadena Police Department and City of Pasadena officials about ongoing fire containment and disaster relief efforts.

The Members of Congress in attendance were:

• House Democratic Caucus Chair Rep. Pete Aguilar (CA-33)
• House Financial Services Ranking Member Rep. Maxine Waters (CA-43)
• Rep. Linda Sanchez (CA-38)
• Rep. Norma Torres (CA-35)
• Rep. Jimmy Gomez (CA-34)
• Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37)
• Rep. Luz Rivas (CA-29)

Rep. Chu released the following statement following the briefings and tour:

"I was so grateful to my colleagues in Congress from California who were able to drop everything and demonstrate to Los Angeles County and the entire nation that we as Californians have each other's backs. Pasadena officials imparted on my colleagues how difficult the rebuilding process will be and the massive support they need from the federal government to be successful. They also highlighted how many Black families, who found refuge from segregation and redlining in Altadena and parts of Pasadena, have lost all the generational wealth they successfully built up this week. My colleagues then witnessed streets, neighborhoods, and community institutions entirely razed to the ground.

"Across every level of government, partnership is absolutely essential to successfully respond to natural disasters and deliver immediate and long-term relief to those who've lost loved ones or returned to their home or business to find nothing left. The victims of the fires in Southern California will rely on Congress to pass - on a bipartisan basis - emergency disaster appropriations to support a long recovery. I look forward over the next weeks and months to working with all these Members to secure this disaster relief funding that is necessary for our vibrant, beautiful, unique region to recover and rebuild, and to push for legislation to prevent disasters like this from occurring again. We have a long road in front of us, but like in any other part of America, Californians deserve disaster relief that will give us the ability to rebuild."

For resources and updates on the Eaton Fire, please visit: http://www.chu.house.gov/EatonFire