On a recent episode of News Nation’s “Hill,” Rep. Sydney Kamlager Dove (D-CA) criticized the few building permits granted for recovery efforts following the Los Angeles fire, suggesting that a lack of federal funding stems from a government that seems unsupportive of California. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass responded by stating, “We’re working as quickly as possible to eliminate the bureaucratic hurdles at City Hall to expedite the application process.”
Host Blake Burman brought up a statistic regarding the wildfire recovery: “Your district, which spans from Altadena to the Pacific Palisades, shows around 12,000 properties affected and only eight building permits issued in about 125 days. This doesn’t seem right. Can you clarify why this is happening and if you’re okay with it?”
Kamlager-Dove asserted, “This is unacceptable. It’s not right to have FEMA offices closed and workers unable to assist my state.”
Berman interjected, “Are you implying that this is Trump’s responsibility?”
Kamlager-Dove answered, “He needs to send us funding. It’s essential.”
Berman then asked, “What do you think of Karen Bass’s performance?”
Kamlager-Dove replied, “I believe Karen Bass is doing her best to expedite the application process and clear away the bureaucratic obstacles at City Hall.”
Berman continued, “So when do you expect to see improvements in those numbers?”
Kamlager-Dove stated, “Only when we secure the funding. Donald Trump, send us the money; we need support for disaster relief.”
Berman clarified, “So your view is that funding must come from the federal government to see progress?”
Kamlager-Dove responded, “I think they are doing the best they can given the situation. However, the reality is we aren’t receiving what we are owed or what’s guaranteed because we’re up against an administration that doesn’t favor California.”
