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3mo ago

Newsom Seeks $40 Billion Federal Aid for Los Angeles Wildfire Recovery

California's governor calls on Congress to assist in rebuilding efforts after devastating January fires caused massive economic losses and widespread destruction.

Homes in Altadena, California, that burned in the Eaton Fire, seen on February 5.
A mural sits in front of a burned property on Woodbury Avenue a month after the Eaton Fire, Monday, Feb. 17, 2025, in Altadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
An American flag is suspended from a charred bunny sculpture at the Bunny Museum, which was destroyed by the Eaton Fire in January, Monday, Feb. 17, 2025, in Altadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
Governor of California Gavin Newsom waits for U.S. President Donald Trump, who arrives to tour areas impacted or destroyed by the southern California wildfires, at Los Angeles International Airport in Los Angeles, California, U.S., January 24, 2025. REUTERS/Leah Millis/File Photo

Overview

  • Governor Gavin Newsom has formally requested nearly $40 billion in federal disaster aid to support recovery efforts in Los Angeles following January's catastrophic wildfires.
  • The fires, which killed at least 29 people and destroyed over 16,000 structures, are projected to result in economic losses exceeding $250 billion, potentially making them the costliest natural disaster in U.S. history.
  • Newsom's funding request includes $16.8 billion for infrastructure repair and debris removal, $9.9 billion for housing and business recovery, and $5.3 billion for loans to affected residents and businesses.
  • President Trump and some Republican lawmakers have suggested tying federal aid to policy changes in California, including voter ID laws and water management reforms, sparking debate over conditions for relief funding.
  • California has already allocated $2.5 billion in state funds for recovery, but Newsom emphasized the need for federal support to rebuild homes, healthcare facilities, schools, and businesses in impacted communities.