Nearly 6,000 Join Sherman’s Telephone Town Hall on Wildfire Recovery & Trump’s Chaotic Return – Ft. FEMA Regional Administrator

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last night, nearly 6,000 constituents joined Congressman Brad Sherman (CA-32) for a Telephone Town Hall focused on wildfire recovery efforts, the latest developments in Washington, and the threats posed by billionaire Elon Musk’s attempts to dismantle critical government agencies. Special guest FEMA Regional Administrator Bob Fenton provided key updates on federal wildfire assistance while answering questions from residents still reeling from the devastation of the Palisades Fire.

FEMA’s Commitment to Wildfire Survivors & Sherman’s Call for Extended Aid Deadline

FEMA Regional Administrator Bob Fenton detailed the agency’s ongoing efforts to support families and businesses affected by the Palisades Fire, including financial assistance programs and debris removal initiatives. 

Responding to constituent concerns, Fenton outlined the available resources and discussed some remaining bureaucratic hurdles that need to be addressed. 

Sherman pressed Fenton on the need to extend the current March 10 deadline for disaster aid applications, citing the immense challenges survivors still face. "We cannot allow arbitrary deadlines to prevent wildfire victims from getting the help they need," Sherman emphasized. "FEMA and SBA must extend this deadline until the end of the year to ensure that every impacted household has the opportunity to rebuild."

Sherman Sounds Alarm on Musk’s Assault on Key Government Agencies

During the call, Sherman also addressed growing concerns over Elon Musk’s aggressive attacks on federal agencies such as the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Sherman warned that Musk’s influence over key sectors, combined with his push to strip regulatory oversight, threatens both consumer protections and global humanitarian efforts.

A Town Hall Focused on Accountability and Action

Throughout the evening, Sherman fielded questions from constituents on wildfire aid, federal protections under threat, and the broader implications of Trump’s erratic return to the White House. 

With residents deeply concerned about their recovery and the stability of national institutions, Sherman reaffirmed his commitment to protecting essential government programs, fighting for expanded disaster relief, and holding those in power accountable.

Town Hall Survey Results

During the Telephone Town Hall, Sherman requested input from residents by asking a series of survey questions about their thoughts and concerns. The results of the survey questions are as follows:

Do you approve of President Trump’s performance as President so far?

-Approve 8%

-Disapprove: 87%

-Unsure: 5%

Homeowners without adequate insurance are currently eligible for a $43,600 FEMA grant for rebuilding assistance, and a $500,000 loan from SBA with an interest rate as low as 2.6%. Obviously, this is not adequate, and I'll be pushing hard to increase both of these programs. But which do you think is more important to double if you had to choose?

-More important to double the FEMA grant to $87,200 maximum: 27%

-More important to double the SBA loan limit to $1 million: 54%

-I see these two priorities as equal OR I am unsure: 19%

President Trump has proposed that we abolish FEMA. Should we abolish FEMA?

 -Yes, Abolish FEMA: 7%

-No, Keep FEMA: 90%

-Unsure: 4%

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Should we abolish USAID and end foreign aid?

 -Yes: 7%

-Inspections and letters only but no government contractor messing my bushes: 89%

-No: 4%