California Governor Seeks $40 Billion in Federal Aid for Wildfire Recovery

Gavin Newsom's request to Congress follows devastating January wildfires that destroyed over 16,000 structures and killed 29 people in Los Angeles.

Governor Gavin Newsom has formally requested nearly $40 billion in federal disaster relief to aid recovery efforts after January wildfires in Los Angeles.
The fires destroyed more than 16,000 structures, caused 29 deaths, and are projected to result in economic losses exceeding $250 billion, according to AccuWeather.
The funding request includes $16.8 billion for fire response, debris removal, and infrastructure repair, and $9.9 billion for housing and related needs.
Newsom’s letter to congressional leaders emphasized both immediate recovery and long-term rebuilding, with the potential for additional funding requests in the future.
Some Republican leaders, including President Trump, have suggested attaching policy conditions to the aid, though this has faced resistance from both Democrats and some California Republicans.