Senate May Issue a Subpoena to Gavin Newsom Regarding the Palisades Fire

Sen. Ron Johnson Addresses California Governor’s Response to Palisade Fire

On Wednesday, Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI) stated that the Senate has the capability to hold California Governor Gavin Newsom (D) accountable for the state and local shortcomings during the Palisade fire in January, which devastated northwest Los Angeles.

Johnson spoke at a press conference on Capitol Hill, joined by Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL) and resident Spencer Pratt from Pacific Palisades.

Earlier this week, it was reported that Scott and Johnson have launched an investigation into the Palisade Fire through the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging. This inquiry falls under the jurisdiction of the Homeland Security Committee’s Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, where Johnson emphasized that he possesses full subpoena authority.

While Scott expressed a desire for Newsom’s “cooperation,” Johnson asserted that he could exercise his subpoena power should local officials fail to provide necessary information.

Scott recounted his visit to Pacific Palisades last month, noting his horror at witnessing the fallout from the fire that resulted in 12 fatalities and nearly 7,000 structures lost along the Pacific Ocean and Malibu. As a former governor of Florida, he remarked that Florida prioritizes reconstruction efforts more effectively than California appears to be doing.

“It seems nothing happened. I think we saw one house being rebuilt,” Scott remarked.

The investigation aims to uncover the fire’s cause, assist victims, and prevent future disasters, according to Scott.

Pratt contended that the community could have been spared much suffering had state and local officials performed their duties properly. While he acknowledged potential issues with federal lands, he pointed out that Newsom failed to address specific areas where the fire ignited on January 7th.

“There are some fairly simple things, some low-cost measures that could have saved Pacific Palisades,” he noted.

He expressed that the community is still reeling from the incident, saying, “I know no one thinks it’s safe, ensuring this doesn’t happen again.”

Pratt echoed the senators’ sentiments about broader national implications, saying, “I feel this will be very powerful for everyone in the U.S.”

Johnson and Scott are also considering the idea of appointing a special master to oversee federal spending in California, a concept linked to the 9/11 Victims Compensation Fund, which was previously mentioned by various sources.

Additionally, Scott indicated that the committee is looking into the reasons behind many Californians losing their home insurance during the fire season, highlighting that such actions would be illegal in Florida. He mentioned that the committee will also seek ways to assist affected policyholders.