Overview

• Sen. Rick Scott and Sen. Ron Johnson said the investigation will run through HSGAC’s Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations with full authority to compel documents and testimony.
• Johnson cautioned that subpoenas could be issued to Gov. Gavin Newsom or other officials if cooperation lapses, while Newsom has publicly welcomed the review.
• Scott outlined priorities that include determining why the fire occurred, evaluating state and local actions, and assessing how victims are being helped and how rebuilding is progressing.
• The senators signaled interest in insurance-company conduct and potential oversight tools such as a Special Master for federal spending, and they left open the possibility of widening the review to other Los Angeles–area fires.
• Fire survivor Spencer Pratt joined the Capitol Hill event to spotlight the effort and argued that basic mitigation steps, such as brush clearing near the ignition area, could have reduced the devastation reported in January.