Jim Costa: “Let me note that the President's action this week as it relates to funding for FEMA and California's wildfires, as well…”

“Let me note that the President's action this week as it relates to funding for FEMA and California's wildfires, as well as the funding for the United States Department of Agriculture in terms of where those moneys go for forestry, is wrong. It is wrong; it is punitive; and it is painful. For the fires in California, 60 percent are on U.S. forestry land. Therefore, to be responsible, the United States needs to do its part when these horrific fires take place. We do the same with hurricanes. We do the same with tornadoes. We do the same with floods. So it seems to me that the President ought to reconsider his actions toward California. We are partners in trying to manage both State and Federal lands not only in California but around the country. Therefore, the President's actions should be reconsidered. It should not be punitive toward California because, through no fault of our own, we have had to deal with these horrific circumstances, just like other regions of the country have to deal with natural disasters that are through no fault of their own. Let's reconsider, Mr. President. Let's not be punitive toward California because of the tremendous devastation that these fires have created. ____________________”