Republican leaders want to condition aid to California. Rank and file isn’t sure
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Long a conservative punching bag, Republicans are split on whether to provide aid to California with preconditions. The raging wildfires in Southern California that have ruined countless homes and livelihoods have now given way to the immortal question: How will Congress provide aid to the ailing state?.
Under normal circumstances, this would be an easy issue. California is the largest economy in the United States. But California has long been a punching bag for Republicans and President-elect Donald Trump has long clashed with Governor Gavin Newsom. During the weekend, Trump reposted an image of the Hollywood Hills, replacing the Hollywood sign with letters saying “Trump was right” as the area was ablaze.
Donald Trump Jr. and Elon Musk have particularly swiped at the Los Angeles Fire Department for sending equipment to Ukraine. Ted Cruz, meanwhile, the senator from California’s mortal enemy Texas, faulted Los Angeles for cutting money for its fire department while allocating money for a transgender cafe and a social justice network on his podcast.
He also said there had been internal discussion within the House Republican conference about tying aid to raising the debt limit, something that Republicans normally dislike doing. Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso told CBS’s Face the Nation that he expected there would be strings attached to any aid. “It has to do with being ready the next time because this was a gross failure this time,” he noted.
