Joe Biden Announces $770 Emergency Relief for California Wildfire Victims Amid Political Clash Over Aid

As the California wildfires rage on, outgoing US President Joe Biden has announced a $770 one-time payment for victims of the California wildfires, which will go a long way in providing some relief for the victims.

President Biden, in a briefing to the White House on Monday, stated:

“We’re not waiting until those fires are over to start helping the victims. We’re getting them help right now, as you all know. People impacted by these fires are going to receive a one-time payment of $770, a one-time payment, so they can quickly purchase things like water, baby formula, and prescriptions.”

Joe Biden Govt Announces $770 Aid for California Wildfire Victims

Joe Biden said that already $5.1 million has been disbursed to nearly 6,000 survivors who have registered for the program.

FEMA, which is the nodal agency in any national calamity, initiated its Critical Needs Assistance Program last week, which envisions an initial one-time payment of $770 to survivors to help them endure the initial pains of any such national calamity.

President Joe Biden, who is facing scathing criticism from presidential nominee Donald Trump and has been dubbed incompetent by the latter, revealed that 14% containment has been achieved in the Pacific Palisades. He also added that 33% containment has been achieved in Pasadena, while 100% of the wildfires have been contained in Ventura.

Joe Biden also announced that the US Government will cover the complete cost of fighting the wildfires for the coming three months, and it will stretch well into President-elect Trump’s administration after he is sworn in on Monday.

The California wildfires have also precipitated a huge clash between Trump and California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D), with the former asking for the latter to resign, taking responsibility for the situation. Meanwhile, California Gov. Gavin Newsom has expressed fears that Donald Trump, upon being sworn in, will play spoilsport and withhold disaster aid to his state.

Newsom’s fears are not unfounded because Republicans in Congress are putting forth proposals that California wildfire relief funds must be linked with riders. Democrats have already labelled such proposals as setting a dangerous precedent.

Also Read: Raging LA Wildfires Ignite Political Feud as Trump Blames Jow Biden and Gavin Newsom for La Wildfire Crisis