Speaker Johnson Slams California’s ‘Failures,’ Suggests Federal Fire Aid May Come With Strings Attached
Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) criticized California officials on Monday, suggesting that federal aid for wildfire recovery should come with conditions. He shared his views with CNN’s congressional correspondent Manu Raju.
The wildfires in Los Angeles have burned nearly 40,000 acres, forced over 100,000 people to evacuate, and destroyed entire neighborhoods. As of Monday, Sheriff Robert Luna reported 21 deaths, warning that the number could rise.
Raju mentioned that disaster aid is usually provided with bipartisan support and without conditions. However, the incoming Trump administration and Republicans have criticized California’s Democratic leadership, raising concerns that aid might come with strings attached.
Johnson said there needs to be a serious conversation about issues like water and forest management, blaming poor leadership at the state and local levels. He added that federal aid should probably come with conditions, though he had not yet discussed this idea with other lawmakers.
When asked about linking the debt limit increase to disaster aid, Johnson said there had been some discussion, but no decisions were made.
Democrats, including Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D-FL), opposed Johnson’s suggestion. Moskowitz tweeted that adding conditions to disaster aid sets a bad precedent, warning it could lead to future partisan conflicts. He emphasized that disaster aid should stay nonpartisan to ensure quick support for those in need.
