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REPS LIEU, LAMALFA, BROWNLEY AND SHERMAN CALL FOR WILDFIRE ASSISTANCE APPROPRIATIONS

November 16, 2018

WASHINGTON - Today, Congressman Ted W. Lieu, Congressman Doug LaMalfa, Congresswoman Julia Brownley and Congressman Brad Sherman urged leadership on the House Appropriations Committee to authorize federal funding to assist constituents impacted by the devastating Camp, Hill and Woolsey fires in California.

In the letter, the Members write:

"On behalf of our constituents who have been devastated by the California wildfires, we write to urge you to work with us to provide federal funding to assist the impacted communities with recovery.

Last week, the Camp, Hill, and Woolsey fires began tearing across our congressional districts in Butte, Los Angeles, and Ventura counties in California. In only a week, the fires have burned more than 244,000 acres and destroyed more than 12,000 structures. The Camp Fire in Northern California has taken the lives of more than 64 individuals with more than six hundred people still missing. It has become the deadliest and most destructive wildfire in California history. In Southern California three people have been confirmed dead as well. In addition, new fires continue to arise around the area, like the Briggs Fire, Lynn Fire, and Peak Fire, which strain firefighting resources and threaten neighborhoods with devastation.

As we mourn the loss of lives, our communities will also face the monumental challenges of rebuilding their homes and businesses, recovering possessions, repairing infrastructure, and restoring the environment. As California completes a full assessment of the damage sustained, we remain committed to ensuring that recovery in our districts happens as expeditiously as possible.

Last year, we were appreciative of the House Committee on Appropriations' efforts to approve supplemental funds for California following the 2017 wildfire season and we are grateful for the assistance already granted this year by President Trump and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. As we continue to learn the extent of damage sustained, we ask you to again work with us to provide federal funding for our constituents seeking to rebuild their lives."

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Issues:Local Issues