California Republicans are resisting proposals by Trump and House Republicans to condition federal disaster aid for wildfire victims on state water management reforms. Several new Republican House members criticized the suggestion, viewing it as politically motivated and harmful to constituents suffering from the disaster. Trump indicated potential withholding of aid until California reevaluates its water management, incorrectly attributing crisis factors to conservation efforts. As they approach a challenging relationship with the Trump administration, these pushes for conditioned aid may destabilize support within Congress, jeopardizing aid for those affected by the calamity.
Playing politics with people's livelihoods is unacceptable and a slap in the face to the Southern California wildfire victims and to our brave first responders.
I don't think we should give California anything until they let the water run down.
Local officials have said the conservation efforts for the delta smelt had nothing to do with the hydrants running dry.
Resistance from even a few House members to his efforts to put conditions on disaster aid could further complicate an already fraught relationship between reliably liberal California and the second Trump administration.
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