California Governor Gavin Newsom has formally requested nearly $40 billion in wildfire recovery aid from members of Congress. This request comes in the wake of the devastating wildfires that swept through Southern California, claiming the lives of at least 29 individuals and destroying over 16,000 structures.
In a letter addressed to key members of the House Appropriations Committee, including House Speaker Mike Johnson and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Newsom outlined the urgent need for financial assistance to support the immediate and long-term recovery efforts in the affected communities.
The proposed aid package includes $16.8 billion for public assistance funding, $9.9 billion for housing and business repairs, $9.61 billion for business loans and grants, and $2 billion in low-income housing tax credits. Newsom emphasized the extensive devastation experienced by the impacted communities and highlighted the long-lasting impact on California's economy.
While California recently received a $2.5 billion relief package, Newsom expressed his expectation for federal reimbursement. Former President Joe Biden had initially committed to covering 100% of recovery costs for the first 180 days, but there have been concerns raised by President Donald Trump and some Republican lawmakers regarding potential conditions tied to aid allocation.
Newsom has actively engaged with federal officials, including a recent visit to Washington, DC, to advocate for federal support in the state's recovery efforts. The governor underscored the critical role of federal assistance in enabling California, particularly Los Angeles, to rebuild and thrive in the aftermath of this unprecedented disaster.
