Washington—Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) released the following statement today after the Senate failed to pass an emergency supplemental bill that included funding for victims of recent natural disasters including last year’s wildfires in California:

“It’s time to stop playing politics with victims of disasters. Families that lost everything – whether in a wildfire, hurricane or flood – shouldn’t be used as political bargaining chips.

“In California, the scale of last year’s destruction was unprecedented. Wildfires killed 85 people, destroyed nearly 14,000 homes and burned more than 150,000 acres, including the entire town of Paradise. Recovery efforts are already underway and additional funding is needed to prevent any delay.

“Tragically, Californians aren’t the only Americans still trying to recover. Victims of recent typhoons, volcanoes, earthquakes, floods, tornadoes and hurricanes, including those that struck Puerto Rico two years ago, are also counting on Congress to approve this funding.

“Congress used to set politics aside after major disasters and help victims in their time of need. Partisan infighting won’t rebuild a single home or school. It’s time we pass an emergency supplemental bill that includes funding for all disaster victims.”

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