FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 8, 2025

CONTACT: Graeme Crews, (202) 597-2923

Rep. Chu Highlights Relief for Southern Californians from President’s Major Disaster Declaration

PASADENA, CA — Today, President Joe Biden approved a Major Disaster declaration for California, which unlocks immediate and long-term relief for residents and businesses impacted by the ongoing wildfires. These residents and business owners can begin applying for that assistance at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, or by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362), or by using the FEMA App. This relief includes: displacement assistance for up to 14 days to help cover hotel costs for those forced to evacuate, $770 for essential items, and larger direct grants to cover essential costs, medical bills, cars, and more. Small Business Administration low-interest loans are available for impacted small business owners and residents.

Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28), whose congressional district includes where the Eaton Fire is centered, joined colleagues today to urge this declaration and issued the following statement:

“I was devastated to hear that ve of my constituents have lost their lives from the Eaton Fire, and my thoughts are with their families and all those suffering from this week’s devastation. My top priority remains assisting people in my district to safety and supporting the heroic rst responders from California and states around California who are working around the clock to contain the wildres. Residents in the wildres’ paths should continue listening to local emergency ofcials, preparing a to-go bag to evacuate, and following evacuation orders when given.

“I’m so immensely grateful at the unprecedented speed with which the Biden-Harris Administration approved Governor Newsom’s request – supported by my colleagues and me in Congress – to issue a Major Disaster declaration for Los Angeles County. I’m encouraging impacted Californians to apply for this immediate and long-term relief once safely out of the wildres’ paths. It’s evident our region’s recovery will be long, but we’re resilient and my ofce and I will assist in any and all response and recovery efforts.”

For ongoing updates on the Eaton Fire, please visit: chu.house.gov/EatonFire

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