House Speaker Mike Johnson suggested that federal aid for California’s wildfire recovery should come with conditions. He stated, “I think there should probably be conditions on that aid. That’s my personal view.
“We’ll see what the consensus is. I haven’t had a chance to socialize that with any of the members over the weekend because we’ve all been very busy, but it’ll be part of the discussion,” Johnson continued.
Johnson, a Republican, also criticized California’s leadership, claiming they were “derelict in their duty” regarding water and forest management.
The potential conditions on aid could lead to a partisan debate in Congress. Republicans hold a slim majority in the House, and Johnson may need Democratic support to pass any proposal.
Johnson’s comments align with criticism from President-elect Donald Trump, who has also blamed California Governor Gavin Newsom for the state’s fire risk management. Trump has called Newsom “incompetent,” and Newsom has invited Trump to tour the fire devastation, but there has been no response.
President Joe Biden has stated that the federal government would cover 100% of initial recovery costs, but more funds will likely be needed. Governor Newsom has proposed an additional $2.5 billion for wildfire measures, including $1 billion for recovery and $1.5 billion for future disaster preparedness.
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