Washington—Senators Dianne Feinstein and Kamala Harris (both D-Calif.) today issued the following joint statement in response to the Trump administration’s supplemental disaster funding request that excluded California wildfire victims:

“It’s appalling the White House is choosing to ignore the victims of California’s wildfires. The latest disaster supplemental request is a completely inadequate response to all of the recent natural disasters, but it’s particularly egregious that no money was included to help Californians rebuild.

“California is just starting to recover from one of the worst wildfire seasons on record. Last month’s wildfires burned over 245,000 acres, resulting in 43 deaths and 8,900 homes and buildings destroyed, creating billions of dollars in damages.

“To help with the recovery, there’s been a bipartisan effort between California’s congressional delegation and Governor Brown to secure $7.4 billion in federal funds for those devastated by the wildfires. Despite the Trump administration’s request, we’ll continue that effort to ensure enough funding is included for California in this aid package before it passes Congress.

“The president needs to remember that he serves all Americans and has a responsibility to help the citizens of California, as well as those of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Florida and Texas.

“Americans come together and help each other in our times of need. The White House’s request seems to have forgotten that.”

###