[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 7 (Tuesday, January 14, 2025)]
[House]
[Page H125]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       MAJOR DISASTER DECLARATION URGED FOR CALIFORNIA WILDFIRES

  (Mr. CISNEROS asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. CISNEROS. Mr. Speaker, my heart goes out to all the Angelenos who 
have been affected by the wildfires in Los Angeles County. It has been 
heartbreaking to learn of those who lost their lives and to witness the 
devastation of entire neighborhoods.
  I also want to extend my gratitude to the firefighters, first 
responders, and local officials who have been working tirelessly around 
the clock to combat the wildfires. Their heroism and bravery has been 
inspiring. I know that because of their efforts, these wildfires will 
soon be contained. There is no doubt that their swift action saved 
lives.
  I join Senators Padilla, Schiff, and 46 of my Democratic and 
Republican colleagues urging President Biden to grant Governor Gavin 
Newsom's request for a major disaster declaration.
  Thankfully, the President approved the Governor's request, and 
California has secured multiple fire management assistance grants from 
FEMA to ensure vital resources are available for local, State, and 
Tribal agencies. However, these grants are not enough.
  I am also appalled by the recent calls from the other side to 
condition aid on a debt limit deal. Now is not the time to politicize 
this crisis.
  I strongly urge House leadership to immediately bring a supplemental 
spending bill to California's efforts to combat this fire and make 
Angelenos whole again.

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