McCarthy helps secure California disaster declaration

U.S. House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) commended President Donald Trump for approving a major disaster declaration for California, which has been ravaged by wildfires.

“Californians have been devastated by this year’s fires, and now, with President Trump’s intention to declare a federal major disaster, he is helping to ensure that Californians receive the assistance they need to rebuild and repair,” Rep. McCarthy said. “I thank President Trump for his swift action.”  

The announcement followed a conversation Rep. McCarthy had with the president where the congressmen urged him to approve the critical request and make the disaster declaration. 

The State of California on Sept. 28 requested the disaster declaration related to the ongoing wildfires, including in Los Angeles County, which is partially represented by Congressman McCarthy. 

The president on Oct. 16 declared that a major disaster exists in the State of California and ordered federal assistance to supplement state, tribal and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by wildfires beginning on Sept. 4 and continuing. Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster, according to the approval.

Rep. McCarthy also worked with U.S. Reps. Tom McClintock (R-CA), Mike Garcia (R-CA), and Doug LaMalfa (R-CA) on this issue, and last week thanked them “for their dedication to ensuring that our state is fully supported.”