Rep. Lieu Statement on Disaster Supplemental Appropriations Act

WASHINGTON, Jan. 15 -- Rep. Ted Lieu, D-California, issued the following statement:

Today, Congressman Ted W. Lieu (D-Los Angeles County) issued the following statement ahead of the House's consideration of H.R. 268, the Disaster Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2019. The bill will provide $12.14 billion in funding for communities impacted by recent hurricanes, typhoons, wildfires, and other natural disasters, including those impacted by the Woolsey fire.

"The federal government has a responsibility to look after all Americans, and this role becomes especially dire after communities experience a natural disaster. I know this firsthand, because many people in my district were devastated by the Woolsey fire last fall.

"I visited disaster shelters and saw the critical role that public services play in helping people rebuild after tragedy. It is irresponsible and cruel that the President threatened to cut off disaster funding for Californians--including my constituents--out of spite, and it's equally appalling that Trump is considering redirecting Army Corps of Engineers funds for disaster victims to pay for his wall.

"I look forward to supporting this bill because disaster victims deserve our empathy and support."