reSee.it - Related Video Feed

FEMA is facing challenges, and while it's frustrating that people are still living in tents after 67 days, recovery takes time. There are concerns about the pace of assistance, especially when resources are available. It's important to acknowledge the situation on the ground while understanding that immediate solutions are not always feasible.

American citizens are struggling to access aid for housing and food, while those here illegally receive immediate support from FEMA. The priority should be to assist American citizens first during emergencies. There should be fairness in how services are distributed. The inequity is evident when individuals who entered the country illegally receive benefits more easily than citizens seeking disaster relief. This situation fuels misinformation and perceptions of incompetence within FEMA. Despite claims that the agency prioritizes American citizens, the processes in place suggest otherwise, leading to frustration and a sense of failure in the agency's focus.

I will sign an executive order to reform or potentially eliminate FEMA. FEMA has proven ineffective in disaster response, often complicating matters instead of helping. When crises occur, it's better for states, regardless of political affiliation, to manage the situation directly rather than relying on FEMA, which lacks local knowledge and often imposes unfamiliar rules. Historical examples from Louisiana and Texas show that states are more capable of handling these challenges. Therefore, we propose that FEMA be replaced, allowing for direct funding to states to manage disaster response effectively.

We are committed to rebuilding as quickly as possible. There are concerns about an 18-month wait to start, but that won't happen. It's essential to clean up hazardous waste first, but if someone is rebuilding their home, the process should be expedited. We need federal assistance to ensure there are no permit delays; permits are already in place. Homeowners are understandably anxious to begin removing debris and starting the rebuilding process immediately. It's crucial to clarify what constitutes hazardous waste, but we must allow homeowners to start working on their properties right away.

Federal aid should be provided to California as needed. The situation is dire, with water being sent to the Pacific Ocean to protect a small fish, leaving farmers and residents without water. Areas like Beverly Hills are suffering significant damage, threatening the state's tax base. Despite having ample water resources up north, the mismanagement has led to a crisis. The governor's handling of the situation has been inadequate, but there is a willingness to collaborate on rebuilding efforts. The scale of the disaster is unprecedented, and insurance companies will face substantial challenges due to the financial implications.

Mr. President, I’m Joel Pollock, a journalist from Breitbart News living in Pacific Palisades. My colleague John Conn, who wrote the song "Fighter," lost his home in the recent fires. I managed to save my house using buckets to transport water from the gutter, but many neighbors struggled to fight the flames. There were significant failures during the evacuation, including a lack of traffic police, leading to gridlock. The fire department wasn't pre-deployed despite warnings, and many neighbors lost their fire insurance just before the blaze. My neighbors want to know if you can work with insurance companies to help us rebuild and change California's regulations to secure fire insurance. Additionally, we need federal funds to aid recovery, and I suggest appointing a special master to ensure that money is used specifically for fire relief and rebuilding efforts.

FEMA is working on the situation, but progress takes time. While it's been 67 days and some people are still living in tents, we need to consider the complexities involved. There are concerns about the pace of providing trailers, especially when funding is available. It's frustrating to see people in tents while FEMA appears to be managing well at their compound. However, we must acknowledge the challenges that come with disaster response and recovery.

California requested assistance from neighboring states for firefighting resources due to ongoing fires. However, instead of going directly to the fire lines, the fire rigs and personnel were sent to Sacramento first for inspection by Cal Fire. This process has delayed their deployment to areas like Pacific Palisades, where they are urgently needed. Additionally, once the crews and equipment finish their work, they must return to Sacramento for a second inspection before leaving the state. This bureaucratic process is complicating the firefighting efforts.

Political officials emphasize the need for rebuilding in California, with fire victims expressing their desire to stay and reconstruct despite permitting issues. A notable exchange occurred between the president and Mayor Bass regarding timelines for recovery. Filmmaker Justine Bateman highlights concerns about oversight of funds, given the history of mismanagement by local leaders. She also points out the challenges faced by the film industry in California due to restrictive tax incentives and suggests federal grants to boost production. The discussion included criticism of FEMA, with Trump proposing a state-led disaster response model. The dynamic between politicians showcased the urgency and complexity of disaster recovery efforts in California.

Western North Carolina residents desperately need help, and it's local citizens who are stepping up, driving across the state to assist. The situation is dire. Misinformation is hindering aid efforts, particularly the false claim that aid is going to undocumented migrants; FEMA denies this. Taxpayer money is being spent on housing migrants in luxury hotels in New York City, funds that could be redirected for immediate relief in North Carolina. We need to address the current crisis first. There are separate funding streams for different needs, but the current situation demands immediate attention and a focus on those directly affected by the disaster.

FEMA has been effective in deploying resources for disaster relief, operating a large center with extended hours. However, challenges arise when coordinating efforts across states, especially when local agencies have different approaches. While California has a large population and resources, the organization of aid can be problematic. Past disasters, like in North Carolina, saw success through collaboration among states. FEMA's processes can be slow, requiring numerous permits, which delays recovery. It’s suggested that local authorities should expedite permits to allow residents to rebuild quickly without bureaucratic delays.

Permits are a significant issue; even if multiple permits are needed, one delay can halt progress. We aim to expedite the process by slashing regulations and bringing city departments together to help residents rebuild quickly. Clearing debris is a priority, especially with potential rain approaching. Residents are willing to clean their own properties, which could speed up recovery. Individuals can use their emergency powers to act swiftly. While we hope to allow access within a week, many feel this is too long, as they want to start working on their lots immediately. The community is ready to move forward, but the permitting process is a major obstacle.

You have emergency powers, and you need to use them as I am. I have exercised mine. Individuals can clear their properties, but they need to know they can return soon. A week is a long time for people waiting to access their homes. They feel unsafe standing outside their burned properties, which are already gone. They want to enter, but permits are delayed, and it could take 18 months. We need to ensure disaster relief funds are used effectively and protect against future fires. We should include measures to prevent fires, like providing water for firefighting. It's about common sense.

We signed an executive order to reform or possibly eliminate FEMA. FEMA has proven ineffective in disaster response, often complicating recovery efforts. When disasters strike, it's more efficient for states, regardless of political affiliation, to manage the situation directly rather than relying on FEMA, which lacks local knowledge and imposes unfamiliar rules. Historically, states have been the ones to effectively handle disasters, as seen in Louisiana and Texas. We propose that states receive direct funding to manage disaster recovery, leading to better outcomes.

California requested assistance from neighboring states for firefighting resources. However, instead of going directly to the fire lines, the fire rigs and personnel were sent to Sacramento first for inspection by Cal Fire. This process is causing delays, as crews are held up before they can reach areas like Pacific Palisades to combat the fires. Additionally, once the crews finish their work, they must return to Sacramento for a second inspection before leaving the state. This bureaucratic procedure is complicating the firefighting efforts.

I'm committed to giving you more than any president before. We will streamline the permitting process; just coordinate with your state officials. The federal government is usually slower, but you already have the necessary permits. Brad, focus on getting those permits quickly. I plan to appoint Rick to represent me as we decide on the best approach, whether an individual or a commission. A strong individual is often more effective than a commission, which can get bogged down. It was an honor to meet your firefighters and police; they are brave and well-respected. I look forward to returning and supporting your cleanup efforts starting tomorrow at noon. Thank you all for your hard work.

Under my administration starting in January, I aim to expedite the FEMA waiver for mobile homes in this area, providing immediate and medium-term housing solutions. The current delay is unacceptable, especially with the holiday season approaching. The argument against mobile homes in flood-prone areas overlooks the reality that much of Massachusetts is at risk of flooding. Without the waiver, people may have to relocate far away at an inconvenient time. The frustration with FEMA stems from bureaucratic inefficiencies rather than malice. We need a government that responds swiftly to the needs of its citizens, particularly in Western North Carolina.

I will be signing an executive order to reform or possibly eliminate FEMA. FEMA has proven ineffective during crises, often complicating recovery efforts. When disasters occur, state governments should take charge rather than relying on FEMA, which lacks local knowledge and imposes unfamiliar rules. Historical examples from Louisiana and Texas show that states are more capable of managing disaster response. Therefore, we will recommend that FEMA be dissolved.

You have emergency powers, and you need to use them. I've exercised mine, and individuals can clear their properties. However, it will take about a week for them to return, which feels too long. People are frustrated; they want to go back to their homes, but they are blocked. They’ve been told it could take 18 months to get permits to access their properties. Meanwhile, there are ongoing fires, and we need to ensure that disaster relief funds are used effectively and timely. We also need to implement measures to prevent future disasters, like ensuring access to water for firefighting. It's essential to act with common sense in these situations.

Six months is too long for recovery. We need to clear out the debris quickly, especially with potential rain coming. Many residents are willing to handle the cleanup themselves, which could save time and money compared to hiring contractors. They can make their properties safe and clean within 24 hours. Emergency powers should be utilized to expedite this process. A week feels like a long time for those waiting to return to their homes, especially since there's nothing left to burn. People want to start working on their properties immediately, but permits are causing delays. We need to act swiftly to allow residents back in.

FEMA is confiscating supplies, reportedly from government-owned buildings like schools, though their purpose is unknown. The Red Cross intercepted a generator delivery intended for another organization by convincing the driver to donate to them instead. FEMA has offered temporary housing to some, but only after other groups cleared access. FEMA doesn't assist with driveway or bridge repairs, which is problematic for residents needing river crossings to reach their homes. The speaker's organization is focused on rebuilding infrastructure. The National Guard is present and helpful, but their limited interaction with civilian groups is a challenge, though understandable due to safety protocols.

Last week, I appointed Bob Fenton, a top emergency manager, to lead the long-term recovery efforts on Maui. He has been on the ground since before the fires started and will ensure that the community receives all the support the federal government can provide to heal and rebuild quickly. I will receive a virtual report from him on Maui after this meeting. Our goal is to restore the island to its previous state, but even better.

I will sign an executive order to reform or possibly eliminate FEMA. FEMA has proven ineffective during crises, often complicating recovery efforts. When disasters occur, it's better for states to handle the situation directly rather than relying on FEMA, which lacks local knowledge and imposes unfamiliar rules. Historical examples, like those in Louisiana and Texas, show that states ultimately do the work needed. Therefore, we are considering recommending the dissolution of FEMA.

We're organizing a Marshall Plan to rebuild California, focusing on inclusivity for all affected communities. Discussions are underway with city leaders, civic leaders, business leaders, nonprofits, and labor leaders to coordinate recovery efforts. We're exploring philanthropy for recovery, seeking federal assistance for both the Olympics and rebuilding efforts, and galvanizing community support. Our goal is to efficiently address the scale of this tragedy through streamlined project delivery, improved building codes, and permitting processes. This approach aims to ensure resilience in our rebuilding efforts.

Mister President, without your help, they’ll only receive $43,000 from the federal government despite having substantial insurance. Many insurance companies have left California, making it difficult for residents to find coverage. The situation is dire, with almost no one having insurance. Insurance companies have warned California about the lack of water for fire safety, contributing to their departure. While FEMA has deployed thousands to assist, there are challenges in coordination with local efforts. California has a large population, and relying solely on local resources isn’t feasible. Other states have successfully managed disasters by collaborating and sharing resources. However, FEMA is seen as inefficient and costly, and there’s a need for better organization and management to improve disaster response.