In response to the ongoing wildfires in California, President Biden announced that the federal government will issue one-time payments of $770 to residents impacted by the disaster. This financial assistance aims to help individuals cover essential expenses such as baby formula, prescriptions, clothing, and food.
During a briefing from the Oval Office on Thursday evening, Biden stated that nearly 6,000 individuals have already been approved for these payments, amounting to a total of $5.1 million distributed through the program so far.
“We’re not waiting for the fires to be extinguished before we start assisting the victims. We’re providing support right now,” Biden declared.
On January 8, the president authorized a disaster declaration for California, which unlocked federal funding to assist those affected in Los Angeles. This funding is designated for temporary housing, home repairs, low-interest loans to cover uninsured property losses, and various other recovery programs for individuals and business owners. Additionally, Biden committed to covering 100% of the costs associated with California’s disaster response for the next six months.
During a briefing on Monday evening, Biden also urged Congress to provide additional funding for wildfire recovery efforts.
“It’s going to take tens of billions of dollars to restore Los Angeles to its former state,” he stated, speaking alongside Vice President Kamala Harris and emergency officials. “We will need Congress to step up and provide the necessary funding.”
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Deanne Criswell reported that approximately 33,000 individuals affected by the California wildfires have requested federal assistance, and this number is expected to continue rising.
Criswell noted that around 700 to 800 people are currently residing in eight emergency shelters due to the wildfires, while many others have found temporary housing with family, friends, or in hotels. She mentioned that those staying in hotels could receive reimbursement for their expenses under the federal disaster declaration.
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