In the wake of L.A.-area fires, Congress will consider new measures. Here are some of them

By Faith Pinho
The Los Angeles Times
January 16, 2025
Category: Forestry
Region: United States, US West

WASHINGTON — a first wave of bills has been put forward by Republicans and Democrats alike in response to the devastation in Los Angeles. The measures come as President Biden has pledged 100% federal backing for disaster assistance for the next six months, though with President-elect Donald Trump taking office in less than a week, the future of the funding is not completely secured. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), meanwhile, has said … he is discussing  whether to link aid to the deeply political debate over increasing the debt ceiling. 

  • The Fix Our Forests Act would streamline environmental regulations to make forest management happen faster
  • Rep. Darrell Issa introduced legislation he called Direct Hire to Fight Fire
  • The Preventing Our Next Natural Disaster Act calls for changes to how FEMA prepares for disasters
  • Rep. Kevin Kiley (R-Rocklin) plans to introduce legislation to rein in California’s Coastal Commission. 

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