Chairmen Rick Scott and Ron Johnson Announce Congressional Investigation of Deadly California Wildfire

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging Chairman Rick Scott and Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee's (HSGAC) Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (PSI) Chairman Ron Johnson announced a congressional investigation into the deadly Palisades Fire that ravaged the Pacific Palisades community in Los Angeles, California, and took the lives of 12 people. The investigation will examine the failures surrounding the preparation for and response to this disaster which allowed unacceptable loss of life and the destruction of more than 6,800 structures, including thousands of homes.

Chairman Scott and Chairman Johnson believe the Palisades Fire was more than just a horrific tragedy, it was an unacceptable failure of government to protect the lives and property of its citizens. Families in this community deserve answers and accountability. As members of the HSGAC's PSI, they are launching a congressional investigation today to uncover and expose the truth. Over the years, billions upon billions of federal taxpayer dollars have been directed to California to support fire management and disaster mitigation efforts. Yet, on the day of the Palisades Fire, reservoirs were empty, fire hydrants went dry, and innocent people, including many vulnerable seniors, perished while thousands more lost their homes, businesses, and everything they owned. While nothing can undo the damage done by the Palisades fire, they are committed to advocating for the victims, their families, and this community to get answers and make sure this never happens anywhere in our great country ever again.

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