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A significant portion of America is experiencing wildfires, often attributed to climate change. However, environmentalist Michael Shellenberger argues that while climate change is real, it isn't the primary cause of California's fires. Instead, he points to poor forest management practices, where years of suppressing natural fires have led to overgrowth, increasing the risk of uncontrollable blazes. Well-managed forests have survived these fires, demonstrating that effective practices like prescribed burning are essential for maintaining biodiversity. Despite concerns over ancient redwoods, their thick bark makes them resilient to fire. Recent fires have prompted California's politicians to support tree thinning, a shift in policy that recognizes the importance of proper forest management over merely blaming climate change. Ultimately, while climate change poses challenges, it is not the sole factor in the increasing frequency of wildfires.

FEMA will play a pivotal role in the shelter and services program, which is set to distribute $363 million to cities and communities in need of funding. However, neither the speaker nor FEMA currently possesses the necessary funds to last through the season.

We are now committed to working collaboratively with the legislature, state agencies, and the federal government. This partnership has shifted from being adversarial to cooperative. We are focusing on leveraging support through a memorandum of understanding, which enhances our commitments to vegetation and forest management, as well as prescribed burns. This effort aligns with the Biden administration's resources to advance our shared goals. Overall, we are embracing a new framework for collaboration.

The Biden administration announced that victims of the LA wildfires will receive 100% of their recovery costs covered for the next 180 days. In contrast, victims in East Palestine, Maui, and those affected by hurricanes in the southeast received only a $750 loan, which required proving damage to qualify. This disparity highlights the frustration over the differing levels of support provided to disaster victims, especially when the LA wildfires were deemed preventable by the state of California.

We will use all government resources to address the intensity of extreme weather events.

Codes and regulations play a crucial role in protecting homes from wildfires. In areas where many homes are destroyed, one house may survive due to having the proper roof. Since taking office, FEMA has given Texas over $13 billion in aid.

Today, we're launching the United States Ocean Climate Action Plan, which aims to utilize the ocean's immense potential to combat the climate crisis.

Project BioShield is a proposed initiative to enhance future security against bioterrorism. The speaker requests support for a budget proposal of almost $6,000,000,000. This funding aims to rapidly develop and provide effective vaccines and treatments. The focus is on agents like anthrax, botulinum toxin, Ebola, and plague. The speaker asserts the necessity to act preemptively, based on the assumption that enemies may weaponize these diseases.

The Bezos Earth Fund is excited about the growing enthusiasm for philanthropy. Last year, when the 30 by 30 initiative faced uncertainty, 10 philanthropies, including the Bezos Earth Fund, pledged $5 billion in grant money to support it. They made it clear that if countries commit to 30 by 30 and show genuine dedication, these philanthropies will provide assistance.

The EPA is limiting forever chemicals in drinking water for the first time, focusing on PFAs linked to health risks. Water utilities must reduce 6 types of PFAs to near zero levels within 5 years. The bipartisan infrastructure law allocates $9 billion to aid in addressing contamination.

President Biden requested $98 billion in emergency funding for recent natural disasters, Hurricanes Helene and Milton. These storms caused over 200 deaths and extensive damage. FEMA's disaster relief fund has only $5 billion remaining. Without additional funding, FEMA will soon be limited to immediate needs, impacting rebuilding efforts in affected communities, particularly smaller and rural ones. FEMA has already provided over $1.6 billion in individual assistance and $1.3 billion in public assistance to nearly a million households. Helene and Milton's recovery costs are projected to exceed $50 billion each and will span years, surpassing all previous disasters this decade except Hurricane Maria.

There is a significant water issue despite no drought, as water is being diverted to protect a small fish species. This water, which flows naturally from Canada, could be used to benefit the land and forests, which are currently dry and at risk. The lack of water contributes to the high costs of forest fires, amounting to billions annually. Additionally, environmental regulations prevent proper forest management, such as raking and clearing debris. Simple maintenance could reduce fire hazards and improve forest health.

The administration is marking the one-year anniversary of the Inflation Reduction Act, which they claim is the largest investment in clean energy and climate action ever in the United States and the world. This announcement comes during a time of extreme weather events, including extreme heat in Arizona, Texas, and the Southeast, floods in Vermont and Upstate New York, smoke from Canadian wildfires, and the Maui fires, which have claimed over 100 lives, representing the largest loss of life from a fire in America in the last hundred years. The administration states they are doing everything they can to support Hawaii's rescue and recovery efforts.

FEMA will play a pivotal role in the shelter and services program, which is set to distribute $363 million to cities and communities in need. However, neither the speaker nor FEMA currently possesses the necessary funds to last through the season.

Let's talk about where money is being spent. We've got $520 million for environmental, social, and governance investments in Africa and to mobilize private sector resources. There's $25 million to promote biodiversity in Colombia, $40 million to improve social and economic inclusion of migrants, and $42 million for Johns Hopkins to research social and behavior change in Uganda. Then we see $70 million for Purdue to research solutions to developmental challenges, $10 million for circumcisions in Mozambique, and almost $10 million for UC Berkeley to train Cambodian youth. Plus, millions more are going to various projects, including election and political processes strengthening, voter turnout in India, fiscal federalism in Nepal, biodiversity in Nepal, and learning outcomes in Asia. It's a lot of money going to a lot of different places.

I can take a couple of questions before I need to jump on a call. Right now, our focus is on addressing the historic wildfires impacting our state. These wildfires are among the worst we've seen, and we are working urgently to provide relief to those affected, particularly in Los Angeles. Our first responders are doing an incredible job to control and contain the fires while ensuring public safety. We are committed to supporting recovery efforts and will do everything possible as a legislature to assist those impacted by this disaster.

FEMA states they are prepared for disasters like hurricanes, wildfires, and extreme heat, while emphasizing the importance of community preparedness. Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas is raising concerns about FEMA's funding in the wake of Hurricane Hilleen. FEMA is currently meeting immediate needs, but anticipates another hurricane and claims it lacks sufficient funds to last through the season. This announcement follows reports that the Biden-Harris administration allocated over $1 billion from a FEMA program to services for migrants.

FEMA is not and should never be an illegal alien resettlement agency. In fiscal year 23, $735,000,000 was allocated to the shelter and services program. In fiscal year 24, $650,000,000 was allocated for a housing program and other services for illegal aliens, totaling $1.5 billion. The proposed bill would take any unspent FEMA funds from this housing program for illegal aliens and give it to the victims of Hurricane Helene.

California Democrats recently voted to allocate taxpayer money for measures aimed at making the state resistant to Trump-related issues, while rejecting an amendment proposed by Republicans focused on fireproofing the state. The Republican amendment included funding for clearing brush, removing vegetation near power lines, and undergrounding power lines—practical solutions that have been advocated for years. The Democrats' decision to oppose these fire safety measures has raised concerns.

Biden has committed to a 180-day, 100% match on recovery funds to support communities affected by major disasters. This commitment is based on legal authority that allows the president to allocate funding for immediate recovery needs. The aim is to address the catastrophic impact on these communities and ensure comprehensive federal support during their recovery journey.

Smart legislatures and governments should invest in fire mitigation to protect communities.

Speaker 0 presents a critique of how California handles wildfire liability and utility reform. The speaker notes that when the Los Angeles Times calls something a bailout by Governor Gavin Newsom, it warrants closer examination. The core claim is that California lawmakers frequently attribute wildfires to climate change, but the speaker argues that the underlying issue is different and links it to utility practices and political dynamics. Key facts highlighted include a 2024 tally of utility equipment ignitions in California: at least 237, with 135 of those fire ignitions tied specifically to Southern California Edison (SCE). The speaker asserts that it is easier for legislators to discuss climate change since weather does not fund political campaigns, in contrast to utility companies, which are described as having substantial political donations. The discussion then focuses on SB 254, a bill recently signed by Governor Newsom. The speaker asserts that, on the surface, SB 254 appears to be utility reform with wildfire mitigation plans and cost-effectiveness measures. However, according to the speaker, a deeper look reveals that the bill substantially reduces the financial exposure of Southern California Edison for the Easton fire. The speaker quotes the Los Angeles Times as calling SB 254 “effectively a bailout for SCE,” indicating that the bill allows SCE to draw on the state wildfire fund. Specific financial mechanics are described: the state wildfire fund is stated to be a $21,000,000,000 fund, with roughly half funded by ratepayers. The speaker contends that the bill moves the burden of liability from Southern California Edison’s private balance sheet onto the state fund, thereby shifting financial risk away from the utility and onto public funds. Lastly, the speaker identifies the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) as the primary implementing agency for SB 254, noting that it is controlled by Gavin Newsom’s five appointed friends. The overall claim is that SB 254 restructures who bears the financial risk of wildfire liabilities, reframes SCE’s exposure through the state wildfire fund, and positions the CPUC as the agency executing these changes, which the speaker frames as a bailout for SCE.

The federal government is investing over $4.2 billion this year to support refugees and asylum seekers.

I propose project Bio Shield, a research and production effort to protect against bioterrorism. My budget allocates nearly $6 billion for vaccines and treatments against anthrax, botulinum toxin, Ebola, and plague. We cannot wait for these diseases to become weapons; we must act now to safeguard our people.