Politics

Congressional delegation urges Biden not to shift disaster aid to California

By Lightning Reports, Published: January 14, 2025

U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards and other North Carolina representatives are urging President Joe Biden and FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell not to shift resources and personnel from the N.C. mountains to California to fight wildfires there.

"We are writing to express our concern that in light of the latest natural disaster occurring in California, FEMA might be tempted to pull personnel from Western North Carolina who are still vital to our ongoing recovery efforts," the letter from both Republican U.S. House and Senate members said. "We urge you in the strongest manner possible not to draw down manpower from our devastated region.

"As members of Congress from the state of North Carolina, we are familiar with the destruction and despair communities experience during and following a natural disaster. While we recognize the urgency of addressing the devastation caused by these fires and extend our support in whatever other ways possible, we implore you to recognize the urgent needs that remain in North Carolina."

Edwards was joined on the letter by Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC), Senator Ted Budd (R-NC), Congresswoman Virginia Foxx (NC-05), Congressman Pat Harrigan (NC-10), Congressman Mark Harris (NC-08), Congressman Richard Hudson (NC-09), Congressman Brad Knott (NC-13), Congressman Addison McDowell (NC-06), Congressman Tim Moore (NC-14), Congressman Greg Murphy (NC-03), and Congressman David Rouzer (NC-07).