Sen. Dave Min condemns calls for conditional California wildfire aid in 1st floor speech

In his first floor speech as a member of Congress, Representative Dave Min (D, CA-47) strongly criticized proposals to attach political conditions to federal disaster aid for Southern California, calling the move “un-American,” “despicable” and “pathetic.” His remarks on Thursday come as a debate intensifies over Republican-led efforts to impose stipulations on relief funding following the devastating wildfires that have ravaged the region.

About the aid: A day after the wildfires began, President Joe Biden approved a major disaster declaration for Southern California on Jan. 8, unlocking various forms of federal assistance. This aid encompasses programs designed to support individuals, businesses and local governments in their recovery efforts. It includes grants for temporary housing, home repairs and replacement of essential household items. It also covers unemployment assistance for those who lost jobs due to the fires, crisis counseling, legal aid and assistance with medical, dental and funeral expenses.

What GOP lawmakers propose: With Donald Trump poised to control Los Angeles wildfire aid after he is sworn in as the 47th U.S. president today, concerns have mounted over how future disaster relief will be handled under his administration. House Republicans, led by Speaker Mike Johnson (R, LA-4) and Senator John Barrasso (R, WY), have been pushing to tie conditions, including forest management reforms and linking disaster aid to an increase in the federal debt ceiling.

Republicans argue that California’s forest management practices have contributed to the severity of the wildfires, making reforms a necessary requirement for receiving aid. Some lawmakers also see disaster relief as a bargaining chip in negotiations over raising the federal borrowing limit.

Consequences for future aid efforts: Min, who represents Orange County, urged his colleagues to consider the precedent such action would set for future disaster relief efforts. “What is being proposed right now, in tying conditions to aid, is un-American. It is despicable. It’s pathetic,” Min stated. “We have never done this before. And I urge my Republican colleagues to think about the precedent they will be setting if they set political conditions on this aid. Because the next time a disaster strikes, it could be your district.”

Min underscored the urgency of providing immediate relief to those affected by the wildfires, describing the destruction as “a biblical-level disaster.” He pointed out that communities across the country, regardless of political affiliation, have historically come together in times of crisis, including after hurricanes, tornadoes and other natural disasters.

Other Dems push back: Democratic lawmakers and California officials have opposed the proposal, arguing that disaster relief should remain apolitical and focused solely on aiding victims in need. Senator Alex Padilla (D, CA) condemned the idea, stating, “Mother Nature does not distinguish between red states and blue states. And neither should our disaster response efforts or our recovery efforts.”

Representative Salud Carbajal (D, CA-24) echoed this sentiment, criticizing the effort to “hold hostage” aid for struggling families. “What makes these families different from families we have helped after hurricanes, tornadoes, or floods in other states? To suggest that we should hold hostage the aid we give American families — families who have lost everything — is wrong and un-American,” he said.

The broader Implications: While conditions are common in certain federal aid programs — such as student financial assistance — disaster relief has traditionally been treated differently, with an emphasis on rapid response and recovery. “People are struggling,” Min implored during his speech. “Thousands of firefighters are exhausted. We need your help.”

This story is part of The Rebel Yellow Newsletter — a bold weekly newsletter from the creators of NextShark, reclaiming our stories and celebrating Asian American voices.

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