Biden pledges federal support in California for 180 days, well into Trump's term
President Biden on Thursday announced the federal government will support California’s efforts to fight the raging wildfires for 180 days.
“We’re doing literally everything we can at a federal level,” Biden said in a briefing with administration officials about the situation, adding that he called the meeting to decide “what more we could do.”
The president, who leaves office in 11 days, said he spoke Thursday morning with California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D), who asked for an increase in the federal funding support from 75 percent to 90 percent to help the state.
Biden announced coverage would increase to 100 percent for 180 days, which means means the federal government will fully fund priorities like fire responders’ salaries well into the Trump administration. Inauguration Day is Jan. 20.
“I’m leaving this office very shortly, but it’s not about the politics. It’s about giving people some sense of security that we’re going to be able to get this under control, but it's going to take time,” Biden said.
He added, “in the next little bit” he will ask Congress for to provide more help to California to fight the wildfires.
Trump and Newsom have been engaged in political debate over the devastating fires.
The president-elect has blamed Newsom for the fires, calling for him to resign and to “open up the water main.” Newsom has hit back, saying Trump wants to “politicize” the fires.
The death toll in the Los Angeles area rose to five on Thursday as the flames continued to engulf the area and threaten the Hollywood Hills.
Biden was in Los Angeles on Wednesday and viewed the damage from wildfires, met with firefighters and Newsom and pledged his administration’s support for state and local officials and first responders battling the blazes.
In the Thursday briefing, Biden called the devastation “catastrophic” and noted that lives have been lost and “families forever changed.”
He said the federal government is focused on containing the fires, announcing the blazes in the Hollywood Hills have been contained while those in Pacific Palisades, Pasadena and Sylmar are still raging.
Biden said the Defense Department is sending personnel and will work with Newsom to identify additional resources for public safety and security. And, he added that FEMA has been working with California residents to help get shelter and other goods.
He thanked the heroic firefights for risking their lives while their own homes are in danger.
“You’re heroes, you’re genuinely heroes,” Biden said. “To the families who have been impacted by the disaster, you’re living through a nightmare, I know.”
Vice President Harris, in the briefing, called the situation “urgent” and “apocalyptic.”
“We are literally waiting to see which way the wind blows, and I cannot praise enough the local leaders, most of whom I have talked with, and in particular our firefighters,” she said.