House Speaker Mike Johnson suggests 'conditions' needed on federal aid for Los Angeles wildfire victims

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) — Republican Speaker of the House Mike Johnson expressed his opinion on the federal aid provided to assist the victims of the devastating Los Angeles wildfires. He mentioned that he believes there should be certain conditions attached to the aid money.

Johnson pointed out issues such as mismanagement of water resources and mistakes in forest management as contributing factors to the wildfires. He emphasized the importance of effective leadership in addressing these challenges.

Furthermore, Johnson stated that congressional Republicans have been considering linking the aid money designated for California with the requirement to increase the nation’s debt limit.

The Speaker also said he believes both state and local LA leaders had been derelict in their duty.

RELATED: Debunking 5 claims about the California wildfires

Johnson’s proposal drew both support and criticism Monday.

“I think it’s appropriate,” said Bill Jackson.

Jackson is the chair of the San Francisco Republican Party.

He says while he doesn’t support tying federal aid to national issues like the debt ceiling, he does think it’s appropriate to have the federal government require California to make certain changes in order to receive disaster relief money.

MORE: Gov. Gavin Newsom adds LA wildfire relief, recovery to ‘Trump-proof’ special session agenda

“We need to not write endless blank checks for large disasters when simultaneously state and local leaders are not making the preparations and demanding that local governments do their part to mitigate these disasters as well,” Jackson said.

The notion of conditions on federal aid is not popular among many politicians. That includes some Republicans, as well as a majority of Democrats – including Senator Adam Schiff.

“I am concerned about it, but I’m hoping that they will take the approach, frankly, that I’ve taken over my years in Congress, and that is we’ve seen disasters in every part of the country of different kinds, earthquakes and floods and fire and hurricanes. I have never once asked or even considered, is this a blue state or red state,” Schiff said.

MORE: Trump keeps saying send water from the north to LA fires. That’s not the problem

California State Senator Scott Wiener believes, if enacted, Johnson’s proposal could create a dangerous new precedent.

Wiener says, despite the uncertainty, the state government will be there to support the LA area. But he acknowledges without federal help, that could be more challenging.

“We as a state are going to be there for LA just like we were there for Northern California and other areas during wildfires,” Wiener said.

Take a look at the latest stories and videos on the devastating Southern California wildfires here.

Copyright © 2025 KGO-TV. All Rights Reserved.

You May Also Like
California man to plead guilty to attempted assassination of Justice Kavanaugh

California Man Admits to Trying to Assassinate Justice Kavanaugh

The man accused of planning to murder Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh…
Karen Read judge sued over 'buffer zone' keeping protesters away from courthouse

Lawsuit Filed Against Judge Karen Over Keeping Protesters Away from Courthouse

Four protesters have filed a lawsuit against Judge Beverly Cannone concerning a…
Chicago comedian Leah Eva suffers heart attack, now warning others of the signs of cardiac arrest, heart disease | ABC7 EXCLUSIVE

Chicago Comedian Leah Eva Warns Others About Signs of Heart Attack After Personal Experience | ABC7 Exclusive

CHICAGO (WLS) — A Chicago comedian’s near-death experience is no laughing matter.…
Grim news for Morning Joe as young viewers desert Mika and Joe in droves

Young Viewers Turning Away from Morning Joe with Mika and Joe in Large Numbers

MSNBC’s ‘Morning Joe’ lost in the sought-after 25-54 demographic to CNN’s ‘News Central’…
Shocker: Covenant School Shooter Final Report Released - Attack Was Plotted for Years

Surprising Revelation: Final Report on Covenant School Shooter Unveiled – Attack Was Planned Over Several Years

The Nashville police have published their conclusive findings regarding the investigation of…
The full truth about Elon Musk's DOGE exit revealed by White House insiders: Why Trump is 'highly disappointed'... and 'Ice Maiden' Susie Wiles's relentless vendetta

Insiders at the White House share details on Elon Musk’s departure from DOGE: Trump expresses deep disappointment, while Susie Wiles continues her relentless pursuit.

The White House is working aggressively to refute a shocking report claiming…
Trump administration deports 100K illegal migrants since inauguration: report

Report: 100,000 illegal immigrants deported by Trump administration since taking office

The Trump administration has deported more than 100,000 illegal migrants in the…
'Fake News': Karoline Leavitt Calls Report About Elon Musk 'Garbage'

Karoline Leavitt Dismisses Report on Elon Musk as ‘Fake News’

After examining the situation, I discovered that the information provided came from…
Ex-Duke football murder suspect keeps returning home after arrests thanks to soft-on-crime judges: police rep

Former Duke football player repeatedly arrested and released due to lenient judges, says police representative

An ex-Duke University football player is said to have admitted to killing…
Val Kilmer’s life in photos before his death at 65

A look back at Val Kilmer’s life through pictures before passing away at 65

Val Kilmer, the Hollywood film star who starred in “Top Gun” and…
White Lotus star Carrie Coon claps back at Meghan McCain in ugly spat over her support of Trump

Carrie Coon from “White Lotus” responds to Meghan McCain in heated disagreement regarding her endorsement of Trump

The White Lotus star Carrie Coon has clapped back at Meghan McCain amid the…
Netflix staff working on Meghan Markle's As Ever launch admit: 'We're already over it'

Netflix employees working on the launch of Meghan Markle’s As Ever series confess they are already feeling tired of it.

According to an insider speaking to MailOnline, employees at Netflix who are…