California is facing severe devastation from wildfires, with damages potentially exceeding $39.68 billion as outlined by Governor Newsom. Despite this urgent need, Congress's upcoming budget bill does not include additional disaster aid. Rep. Tom Cole emphasized that while there are no new funds proposed, there may be future assistance with conditions attached to prevent similar disasters. The situation remains precarious, and a government shutdown looms if a budget deal isn't reached by the deadline.
As examples, he said, "keep the reservoirs full or... be able to take the brush out. I don't want to blackmail California; I want to work with California. They've got a legitimate need."
Cole, regarded as a willing negotiator on budget matters, told The Bee as he stood outside his Capitol office that the disaster money should eventually be available and would probably come with some conditions.
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