California Representatives Survey Devastation of Eaton Fire, Advocate for Disaster Relief Funding
Members of Congress from California, including Rep. Judy Chu, visited the ruins of Altadena and northern Pasadena on Saturday to assess the damage caused by the ongoing Eaton Fire. The fire, which has already consumed over 14,100 acres and scorched approximately 7,000 structures, is still only 15% contained, according to Cal Fire.
Expressing gratitude for her colleagues’ support, Chu emphasized the importance of unity in times of crisis. “I was so grateful to my colleagues in Congress from California who were able to drop everything and demonstrate to Los Angeles County and the entire nation that we as Californians have each other’s backs,” Chu said in a statement released after the tour.
During the visit, the Representatives met with officials from the Pasadena Police Department and City of Pasadena to discuss ongoing fire containment efforts and the need for federal assistance in the rebuilding process. Chu highlighted the challenges faced by the affected communities and the devastating loss of generational wealth experienced by many Black families who had sought refuge from segregation and redlining in Altadena and parts of Pasadena. The Representatives witnessed entire streets, neighborhoods, and community institutions reduced to rubble.
AccuWeather estimates the economic loss and damage caused by the fire to be around $135 billion. In response, Chu pledged to work with her colleagues to secure the necessary disaster relief funding for recovery and rebuilding. She also expressed her intention to push for legislation aimed at preventing similar disasters in the future.
“Across every level of government, partnership is absolutely essential to successfully respond to natural disasters and deliver immediate and long-term relief to those who’ve lost loved ones or returned to their home or business to find nothing left,” Chu wrote. “The victims of the fires in Southern California will rely on Congress to pass – on a bipartisan basis – emergency disaster appropriations to support a long recovery. … We have a long road in front of us, but like in any other part of America, Californians deserve disaster relief that will give us the ability to rebuild.”
The Members of Congress who participated in the tour included House Democratic Caucus Chair Rep. Pete Aguilar, House Financial Services Ranking Member Rep. Maxine Waters, Rep. Linda Sanchez, Rep. Norma Torres, Rep. Jimmy Gomez, Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove, and Rep. Luz Rivas.
