Congressman Sherman: “Palisades Needs Federal Relief Now!”

PACIFIC PALISADES, CA – Congressman Brad Sherman (CA-32), who represents the Pacific Palisades and has been leading efforts to secure critically needed federal wildfire aid for one of the most destructive wildfires in history, issued the following statement in response to Senators Rick Scott (R-FL) and Ron Johnson (R-WI) announcing an investigation, launched through the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, into the preparedness and response to the January 2025 Palisades Fire.

“I join Governor Gavin Newsom in welcoming the announcement of an additional review of the Palisades Fire, emphasizing that an independent assessment should prioritize recovery, accountability, and public safety — not partisan politics.

This Senate investigation complements the investigations that are already taking place – including by the federal government, the state, and an independent review by the nation’s leading fire experts. 

My focus remains where it has always been – pressing the Trump Administration and Republicans in Congress to approve Supplemental Appropriations bill to provide aid for California fire victims. Congress should be united in one mission: delivering a supplemental appropriations package that provides real aid to California wildfire victims. Partisanship cannot rebuild homes and businesses." 

As part of his bipartisan approach to relief, Sherman recently joined with Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-CA) to introduce the Protect Innocent Victims of Taxation After Fire Act. Senator Scott has introduced similar legislation in the Senate. The legislation would grant tax relief to victims of the Palisades wildfires and other recent natural disasters. Sherman noted that this type of cooperation across party lines shows how Congress can act constructively to help families recover.

Sherman has repeatedly called on President Trump to provide federal wildfire aid without political conditions and is urging colleagues in both parties to come together behind a clean, bipartisan disaster relief package.

He first urged President Trump not to hold up aid for political reasons when he spoke to Trump face-to-face. See video of their exchange here.

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