REP LIEU JOINS CALIFORNIA MEMBERS CALLING FOR ADDITIONAL FEDERAL WILDFIRE FUNDING

WASHINGTON - Congressman Ted W. Lieu (D-Los Angeles County) joined Members of Congress from California to urge leadership on the Appropriations and Ways and Means Committee to include $9.054 billion and tax relief for the communities impacted by the wildfires in a disaster supplemental funding package. The supplemental funding package will assist Californians who were devastated by a string of recent wildfires in Butte, Los Angeles and Ventura counties.

In the letter, the Members write:

• As you know, last month California was devastated by the deadliest and most destructive wildfires in our state's history. We are writing to ask that you include $9.054 billion and tax relief for the communities impacted by the wildfires as requested by the State of California in a disaster supplemental funding package.
• On November 12, President Trump granted a Major Disaster Declaration for the state of California as a result of the wildfires. In the previous week, the Camp, Hill, and Woolsey fires had begun, burning more than 247,000 acres and destroying more than 20,000 structures across Butte, Los Angeles, and Ventura counties. The Camp Fire became the most destructive and deadliest fire in the state's history taking the lives of more than 85 individuals, with a number of residents still unaccounted for. In Southern California, three were confirmed dead. Throughout the state thousands have been left homeless. To make matters worse, residents are now dealing with storms and resulting flooding and mudslides.
• We appreciate your efforts to provide assistance to California and other areas affected by major disasters in past years. As you know, on November 28, the Director of California's Office of Emergency Services wrote to Speaker Ryan, Democratic Leader Pelosi, Chairman Frelinghuysen, and Ranking Member Lowey with an initial request of $9.054 billion in disaster funding as well as tax relief for impacted communities. We strongly support this request and urge you to include it as you develop a supplemental funding package.

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