Home Minority Chief Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) stated Wednesday that lawmakers are ready to maneuver shortly on emergency catastrophe aid if crucial for California because the state battles lethal wildfires.
Jeffries advised reporters that lawmakers will “evaluate requests that are made from the governor of California as well as likely from the current administration” and that Democrats are ready “to provide any support necessary.”
Congress handed laws final month that supplied roughly $100 billion in catastrophe aid, together with about $30 billion in funding for the Federal Emergency Administration Company’s (FEMA) catastrophe aid fund, as officers warned of dwindling funds within the aftermath of hurricanes Helene and Milton.
A spokesperson for the company stated Wednesday that FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell has been in touch with California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) for updates on the wildfires and that the state of affairs is being monitored intently. Hearth Administration Help Grants (FMAG) have additionally been accepted to supply assist, the company stated, although considerations might already be effervescent up about additional want.
Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D-Fla.) wrote on the social platform X on Wednesday that “FEMA will probably need more money” whereas additionally writing that “the FMAG grant that has been turned on will be depleted.”
The Hill has reached out to Speaker Mike Johnson’s (R-La.) workplace for touch upon the potential want for additional support.
Two individuals have died thus far within the fires, which have compelled widespread evacuations in Southern California.
Jeffries stated Democrats are ready “to provide any support necessary” to assist firefighters and “everyday” victims “in the face of a horrific extreme weather event.”
“It is precisely why we should proceed to assist our first responders, our public workers, and our authorities companies that have to be there in occasions of want for on a regular basis Individuals,” he advised reporters within the Capitol.
Rachel Frazin and Mike Lillis contributed.
