Senators advocate for California wildfire recovery funding

Two U.S. senators visited Altadena, California, on March 22, 2025, to call for more funding for recovery after a massive wildfire. Senators Alex Padilla of California and Cory Booker of New Jersey toured the community, which suffered devastating damage just three months earlier. They highlighted some progress, like quicker removal of toxic debris, which is now expected to finish in under a year instead of 18 months. The senators did not specify a funding amount, but California Governor Gavin Newsom had asked Congress for nearly $40 billion in wildfire aid. "This is a regional disaster but it is also a national disaster," Booker stated, emphasizing the need for support to rebuild affected communities. In January, wildfires in Southern California led to at least 29 deaths and the destruction of around 6,000 homes in Altadena. Senator Padilla mentioned he recently voted against a government funding bill because it lacked disaster funding for affected areas. Booker noted that he wants to reassure the community that they are not alone during this struggle. Despite their party not controlling Congress, both senators are optimistic about obtaining necessary funds. They are currently in discussions with the White House as well. Padilla described the impact of the fires as unprecedented, affecting areas significantly. He stressed the importance of rebuilding and restoring homes for families in the diverse community of Altadena. While progress has been made, they acknowledged that a lot of work remains ahead.