Local leaders in Los Angeles are expressing frustration over delays by Congress in allocating supplemental federal funds for recovery efforts following the Palisades and Eaton wildfires. The catastrophic fires, which occurred more than 18 months ago, severely impacted the city and county, prompting local governments to request a combined $15.7 billion in aid for rebuilding and restoration.

Despite the significant damage caused by the blazes, federal lawmakers have yet to approve the requested funds, a departure from the prompt responses seen after past major disasters such as Hurricane Katrina and Superstorm Sandy. The delayed federal assistance has impeded progress on critical projects including the restoration of infrastructure, parks, schools, senior centers, housing, and residential support services.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger highlighted these concerns in joint letters sent last week to congressional leaders and members of the county’s congressional delegation. They emphasized that the Trump administration’s recent supplemental funding request of $87.6 billion did not specifically address aid for fire victims in the region.

Bass and Barger called on Congress to promptly appropriate supplemental funding “to cover the infrastructure and rebuilding needs associated with the Eaton and Palisades fires,” stressing the importance of federal support to accelerate recovery efforts and alleviate the burdens on affected communities.

The continued delay in federal funding underscores challenges for local officials as they work to address the extensive recovery requirements following these significant wildfire events.