Rep. Mike Thompson (D-St. Helena) on Tuesday issued this statement at once thanking the House for approving added disaster relief for North Bay fire victims and chastising Republicans for politicizing it.
Following the introduction of a supplemental disaster funding package for those affected by the California wildfires, which delivers $81 billion in additional disaster relief, Speaker Paul Ryan announced that the supplemental funding package would be added to the continuing funding resolution, Thompson’s statement explains.
“I’m happy to see the House put forth this supplemental disaster funding package that delivers the much needed additional disaster relief for survivors of the California wildfires,” he said. “It is unfortunate that the Republican Leadership is playing political games and tacking it on to their end of the year spending package.
“These fires were the worst in California history, burning nearly 250,000 acres, destroying 8,800 homes and buildings, and, tragically, taking 44 lives. The road to recovery for those affected will be a long one, but I’m glad our Federal government is doing its part to help.”
Thompson said he’s pleased to see the State of California’s request for which he’s been pushing is being granted “to give us the tools we need to begin the long process of rebuilding the communities affected by the fires. I look forward to continuing to work with my House colleagues to ensure we have all the resources necessary for full recovery.”
However, while the funds are needed and appreciated, Thompson said, “This disaster package should get a clean up or down vote. Instead, Republicans are pairing it with a bill that kicks the can of fiscal responsibility and funding the government down the road. Our survivors are not political pawns. They have real, urgent needs. They deserve a clean vote.”
