Joe Biden

WHAT THEY ARE SAYING: President Biden Leads Robust Federal Response to Support Ongoing Wildfire Suppression Efforts

January 09, 2025

Under President Biden's leadership, the Biden-Harris Administration is continuing to support life-saving and life-sustaining response efforts for the wildfires impacting Los Angeles, California. President Biden continues to be regularly briefed by his team, and the Administration is in regular contact with state and local officials.

Today, during a briefing with senior White House and Administration officials, President Biden announced that the Federal government will cover 100 percent of the cost of firefighting efforts, including for efforts like debris and hazardous material removal, temporary shelters, first responder salaries, and all necessary measures to protect lives and property.

California leaders are highlighting the President's leadership and the Administration's robust actions to support the ongoing response.
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California Governor Gavin Newsom: It's impossible for me to express the level of appreciation and cooperation we've seen from the White House and this administration. So on behalf of all of us, Mr. President, thank you for being here, but not just being here today, thank you for being here since the minute of this incident. [NewsNation, 1/8/25]

Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Kathryn Barger: I want to thank President Joe Biden and governor Gavin Newsom for pledging to bring federal and state resources to help Los Angeles County in our moment of need. President Biden's disaster declaration includes a promise of public assistance and individual assistance. [ABC7, 1/9/25]

Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone: I met with President Biden yesterday. I also met with Governor Newsom. We've had nothing but support from the federal and the state governments. Locally are 29 fire departments that operate in Los Angeles County. We've come together to render aid not only to the Palisades Fire, but also the Eaton Fire, the Hurst fire, the Lilac Fire and the Sunset Fire. [CNN, 1/9/25]

Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo: It is refreshing to hear President Joe Biden step out boldly and offer assistance. That is great news for Altadena and Pasadena and for the Palisades, all who have been impacted. [MSNBC, 1/9/25]

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass: This, as we know, is a regional crisis, so working together is the only way we will get through this. That's why I've been in constant contact with my colleagues at the county, state, and federal level. President Biden, Governor Newsom have assured us of full state and federal support. [Press Conference, 1/9/25]

Senator Adam Schiff: We are getting a lot of help and I thank President Biden for jumping on this so quickly. This must be one of the fastest disaster declarations that I can remember, but it's appropriate. […] This fire is blazing and the President has swiftly acted on this, there will be resources people can find out about on the FEMA website, about how to get reimbursed and get immediate help with lodging and other necessities. [MSNBC, 1/9/25]

Senator Alex Padilla:?Thanks to @POTUS' swift Major Disaster Declaration, those impacted by LA County fires can start applying for relief NOW. Visit: http://disasterassistance.gov, call 800-621-FEMA (3362), or download the @fema app to get started. Together, we are going to rebuild. [X.com]

Representative Eric Swalwell: It shows leadership from the president, that he literally was on the ground as the Palisades started to burn. He knows the needs and has talked to my colleagues in Southern California and is responding. [MSNBC, 1/9/25]

Representative Brad Sherman: I think it's great that he is taking another opportunity to express his concerns to the people of my district and of Los Angeles in general. and he has already done an excellent job of providing federal assistance, not just at the present time, but to put us on the road to recovery in the years to come. [CNN, 1/9/25]

Representative Raul Ruiz, M.D.: I am deeply grateful to @POTUS for approving California's emergency disaster requests, championed by our state's Congressional delegation and Gov. @GavinNewsom. Together, we will ensure that our communities receive the resources and support they need to recover and rebuild. [X.com]

Representative Jimmy Gomez: .@POTUS announced the federal government will cover 100% of firefighting costs for LA, building on our original request for federal support. These crucial funds will help firefighters protect lives and property while direct assistance goes to help our neighbors recover faster. [X.com]

California State Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin: We are thankful to President Biden and our federal partners who have taken steps to make federal resources available to assist those impacted by the #PalisadesFire. I had the opportunity to see first hand just a small portion of the damage. #AD42 @POTUS [X.com]

California State Senator Caroline Menjivar: Good News #SD20! California secured the federal assistance of Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) from FEMA to support critical firefighting efforts and response to the growing Hurst Fire in #Sylmar!
#HurstFire #EatonFire #PalisadesFire #LidiaFire [X.com]

California State Senator Ben Allen: Thank you @POTUS for briefing with us in Santa Monica this morning. Your urgent action and partnership in this effort has been- and will continue to be- vital in our fight against this horrific fire. [X.com]

Joseph R. Biden, Jr., WHAT THEY ARE SAYING: President Biden Leads Robust Federal Response to Support Ongoing Wildfire Suppression Efforts Online by Gerhard Peters and John T. Woolley, The American Presidency Project https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/node/375764

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