Friday, September 19, 2025

Local Congresswoman Demands Federal Disaster Aid for California Be Included in Funding Bill

Lawmakers urge supplemental disaster assistance in Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations, citing urgent recovery needs in California and nationwide

Pasadena Congresswoman Judy Chu joined U.S. Representative Brad Sherman in Washington to call on House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune to guarantee disaster relief funding for California and other affected regions in the Fiscal Year 2026 government appropriations package.

Their “demand” responds to the extensive destruction caused by recent wildfires and similar disasters across the country.

“In January, the Eaton and Palisades Fires in Los Angeles County destroyed more than 16,000 structures, displaced tens of thousands of people, and took 31 lives,” Chu and Sherman wrote.

“Since these devastating firestorms, federal, state and local authorities have worked together to clear toxic hazardous waste, remove debris and begin the process of rebuilding the communities of Altadena, in Pasadena, the Pacific Palisades and Malibu. This progress is made possible by the support and assistance provided by FEMA and other federal agencies pursuant to the Major Disaster Declaration on Jan. 8.”

Governor Gavin Newsom’s recent request seeks $34.2 billion in supplemental assistance to replenish FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund, fund the SBA’s Disaster Loan Program and support long-term recovery efforts in California.

Chu and Sherman point out that similar needs exist elsewhere, citing North Carolina’s $11.5 billion request after Hurricane Helene last fall.

The lawmakers stress the importance of replenishing the Disaster Relief Fund as the nation faces the new hurricane season in the Southeast and wildfire threats in the West.

A key political tension is that Johnson and Thune, who have drafted appropriations proposals without Democratic input, are being urged to ensure broad, bipartisan consideration of disaster recovery priorities.

The letter explicitly calls “to ensure that Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations legislation includes supplemental disaster assistance that meets the ongoing needs of disaster survivors across the country.”

Federal, state and local response teams continue vital recovery work in Altadena, in Pasadena, Pacific Palisades and Malibu, focusing on hazardous waste removal, debris clearance and community rebuilding with major federal support.

The extent of destruction—more than 16,000 structures lost, tens of thousands displaced and 31 deaths—makes these fires among the deadliest and most impactful in state history.

By highlighting Newsom’s targeted requests, North Carolina’s parallel needs and the context of federal agency collaboration, Chu and Sherman bring into focus the urgency for Congress to act.

Their appeal ensures that disaster survivors in California and beyond will not be overlooked in the upcoming fiscal year’s government spending priorities.