Newsom Requests $40B from Congress for LA Fire Assistance
The letter arrives during a period of extensive discussion in Washington regarding the potential conditionality of the expected disaster aid for California.
TroibNews 
SACRAMENTO, California — On Friday evening, Gov. Gavin Newsom submitted a request to congressional leaders seeking nearly $40 billion in federal funding dedicated to the long-term recovery and rebuilding efforts following the recent devastating fires in Los Angeles.
Fueled by hurricane-force winds, the firestorms resulted in the destruction of over 16,000 structures in Pacific Palisades and Altadena, making it potentially the most costly disaster in U.S. history.
In his 14-page communication to House Speaker Mike Johnson, Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries, and Reps. Tom Cole and Rosa DeLauro of the Appropriations Committee, Newsom stated that as the state continues to evaluate the destruction while actively responding to and recovering from the situation, additional funding requirements are expected to be identified beyond the $39.68 billion detailed in the letter.
“Make no mistake, Los Angeles will use this money wisely,” Newsom wrote. “California will ensure that funds will serve individuals, communities, property owners, and businesses that suffered losses from these devastating fires.”
He further added, “California has long been the tentpole of the American economy, a state whose GDP is the fifth largest on the planet and which contributes more tax receipts to the federal government than any other state — by far. California's success is America's success.”
This letter arrives during a period of intense debate in Washington regarding the conditions under which the anticipated disaster aid for California would be provided. President Donald Trump, congressional Republicans, and presidential allies argued as recently as Friday that the funding for California should have stipulations attached.
Earlier this month, Newsom visited Washington to personally request Trump refrain from implementing such conditions.
In his correspondence, Newsom acknowledged that Trump and his administration “have demonstrated a strong commitment” to supporting the recovery effort in Los Angeles by expediting debris clearance and spearheading the “all-hands recovery.” He also expressed gratitude toward congressional members.
“We are eternally grateful,” Newsom wrote. “And we are confident that if we work together, Los Angeles will continue to serve as a beacon to the world and securely place the city on solid ground in the coming years as it hosts the FIFA World Cup and Olympics — and thrive for the century to come.”
Newsom detailed the funding breakdown: $16.8 billion for public assistance emergency work, $9.9 billion for housing and business repairs, $5.3 billion allocated for business loans, $4.32 billion for business grants, $2 billion for low-income housing tax credits, along with hundreds of millions more dedicated to transportation, water infrastructure, and other initiatives.
Support for Newsom’s request came from California Senators Adam Schiff and Alex Padilla, both representing the Los Angeles region.
“To deny it — or place conditions on it — would be to abandon people in their time of most need. People need help. We must act urgently,” Schiff stated.
During the final days of his presidency, former President Joe Biden approved six months’ worth of recovery funding for the state.
Ramin Sohrabi contributed to this report for TROIB News
Fueled by hurricane-force winds, the firestorms resulted in the destruction of over 16,000 structures in Pacific Palisades and Altadena, making it potentially the most costly disaster in U.S. history.
In his 14-page communication to House Speaker Mike Johnson, Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries, and Reps. Tom Cole and Rosa DeLauro of the Appropriations Committee, Newsom stated that as the state continues to evaluate the destruction while actively responding to and recovering from the situation, additional funding requirements are expected to be identified beyond the $39.68 billion detailed in the letter.
“Make no mistake, Los Angeles will use this money wisely,” Newsom wrote. “California will ensure that funds will serve individuals, communities, property owners, and businesses that suffered losses from these devastating fires.”
He further added, “California has long been the tentpole of the American economy, a state whose GDP is the fifth largest on the planet and which contributes more tax receipts to the federal government than any other state — by far. California's success is America's success.”
This letter arrives during a period of intense debate in Washington regarding the conditions under which the anticipated disaster aid for California would be provided. President Donald Trump, congressional Republicans, and presidential allies argued as recently as Friday that the funding for California should have stipulations attached.
Earlier this month, Newsom visited Washington to personally request Trump refrain from implementing such conditions.
In his correspondence, Newsom acknowledged that Trump and his administration “have demonstrated a strong commitment” to supporting the recovery effort in Los Angeles by expediting debris clearance and spearheading the “all-hands recovery.” He also expressed gratitude toward congressional members.
“We are eternally grateful,” Newsom wrote. “And we are confident that if we work together, Los Angeles will continue to serve as a beacon to the world and securely place the city on solid ground in the coming years as it hosts the FIFA World Cup and Olympics — and thrive for the century to come.”
Newsom detailed the funding breakdown: $16.8 billion for public assistance emergency work, $9.9 billion for housing and business repairs, $5.3 billion allocated for business loans, $4.32 billion for business grants, $2 billion for low-income housing tax credits, along with hundreds of millions more dedicated to transportation, water infrastructure, and other initiatives.
Support for Newsom’s request came from California Senators Adam Schiff and Alex Padilla, both representing the Los Angeles region.
“To deny it — or place conditions on it — would be to abandon people in their time of most need. People need help. We must act urgently,” Schiff stated.
During the final days of his presidency, former President Joe Biden approved six months’ worth of recovery funding for the state.
Ramin Sohrabi contributed to this report for TROIB News
