2 GOP Senators From Storm-Ravaged States Oppose Conditioning California Wildfire Aid

Republican lawmakers from states that have been devastated by natural disasters don't exactly love the idea of withholding aid to California.

Republican lawmakers from states that have been ravaged by natural disasters oppose withholding or conditioning federal assistance to California residents impacted by the devastating Los Angeles wildfires.

“I would ask those folks to put themselves in the same position as people of western North Carolina,” Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) said of some conservatives who have suggested putting strings on federal aid to California.

“You got to be consistent on disaster supplement, period. I’m unequivocal ― you fix the problems of those folks out there; we can talk about the problems we’ve created here, here,” he added.

Some Western North Carolina communities were wiped off the map last September after hurricanes Helene and Milton caused catastrophic flooding, causing tens of billions of dollars in damages and leaving more than 200 people dead across several other states. Last month, congressional leaders provided $100 billion for relief for those and other disasters, with no strings attached.

But now that a blue state has suffered a natural disaster, some Republicans have suggested withholding aid until California makes policy changes to its forest and water management, or its diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.