Biden Hopes 'I pray to God' Trump Continues to Support California's Recovery Efforts
Biden declared that the federal government will assume full responsibility for all expenses related to combating the fires in the Los Angeles area.
TroibNews 
On Thursday, President Joe Biden announced an increase in disaster assistance for California, declaring that the federal government will cover “100 percent of all the costs” associated with combating the fires impacting the Los Angeles area.
However, Biden expressed uncertainty about whether President-elect Trump would offer similar support for the series of fires, which are anticipated to be the most costly in U.S. history. “I’m not in a position to answer that question,” Biden commented when asked about his confidence in the incoming administration's financial support for California. “I pray to God they will,” he added.
The president held a White House briefing on the disaster response alongside Vice President Kamala Harris, whose home in Los Angeles is within the evacuation zone of the damaging Palisades Fire, along with other administration officials.
Earlier this week, Biden approved federal Fire Management Assistance Grants as the initial fires broke out. These grants aimed to cover 75 percent of firefighting costs, including expenses for equipment, personnel salaries, and aircraft. Additionally, on Wednesday, he approved an expedited Major Disaster Declaration to provide immediate cash assistance to those affected.
In response to a further request for funds from California Governor Gavin Newsom, Biden announced that the grants and elements of the disaster declaration will now encompass all costs for a duration of 180 days. This funding will facilitate activities such as debris and hazardous material removal, temporary shelters, and first-responder salaries. “I told the governor and local officials to spare no expense to do what they need to do and contain these fires in their communities that have really been devastated,” he stated.
As per Cal Fire, two of the largest fires are still at 0 percent containment. Harris' office also announced that the vice president had canceled her planned trip to Singapore, Bahrain, and Germany, stating she "will remain in the United States to support the federal response in California."
Biden mentioned that he is sending additional federal resources, including 400 firefighters, aircraft, and personnel for wildfire ground clearing.
He acknowledged that further aid will likely be necessary after a comprehensive assessment of the damage has been completed, urging Congress to respond to the need for assistance. “I hope they’re ready to step up, because we can afford it,” he remarked.
Earlier on Thursday, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise indicated that Congress was unlikely to consider new support for California until mid-March, coinciding with the next government funding deadline.
Lucas Dupont contributed to this report for TROIB News
However, Biden expressed uncertainty about whether President-elect Trump would offer similar support for the series of fires, which are anticipated to be the most costly in U.S. history. “I’m not in a position to answer that question,” Biden commented when asked about his confidence in the incoming administration's financial support for California. “I pray to God they will,” he added.
The president held a White House briefing on the disaster response alongside Vice President Kamala Harris, whose home in Los Angeles is within the evacuation zone of the damaging Palisades Fire, along with other administration officials.
Earlier this week, Biden approved federal Fire Management Assistance Grants as the initial fires broke out. These grants aimed to cover 75 percent of firefighting costs, including expenses for equipment, personnel salaries, and aircraft. Additionally, on Wednesday, he approved an expedited Major Disaster Declaration to provide immediate cash assistance to those affected.
In response to a further request for funds from California Governor Gavin Newsom, Biden announced that the grants and elements of the disaster declaration will now encompass all costs for a duration of 180 days. This funding will facilitate activities such as debris and hazardous material removal, temporary shelters, and first-responder salaries. “I told the governor and local officials to spare no expense to do what they need to do and contain these fires in their communities that have really been devastated,” he stated.
As per Cal Fire, two of the largest fires are still at 0 percent containment. Harris' office also announced that the vice president had canceled her planned trip to Singapore, Bahrain, and Germany, stating she "will remain in the United States to support the federal response in California."
Biden mentioned that he is sending additional federal resources, including 400 firefighters, aircraft, and personnel for wildfire ground clearing.
He acknowledged that further aid will likely be necessary after a comprehensive assessment of the damage has been completed, urging Congress to respond to the need for assistance. “I hope they’re ready to step up, because we can afford it,” he remarked.
Earlier on Thursday, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise indicated that Congress was unlikely to consider new support for California until mid-March, coinciding with the next government funding deadline.
Lucas Dupont contributed to this report for TROIB News
