Energy and Environment
Information regarding my stance on Energy and Environment issues.
FEMA quickly approved initial Emergency Declarations to provide federal funding to battle the fires.
"So many people have been evacuated or at risk of evacuation and so many towns have been destroyed," said Representative Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR). "It's just absolutely devastating."
Bonamici and other lawmakers said more federal help will be needed in the aftermath of the fires. Representative Greg Walden (R-OR) said housing–specifically affordable housing–is a top priority.
Rep. Suzanne Bonamici, D-Beaverton, noted the approval in a tweet saying she appreciated it was done quickly "so we can promptly send more help where it is desperately needed."
Rep. Greg Walden, the only Republican in Oregon's delegation connected the speedy approval to a meeting he held with President Trump this week.
The signers include the Democrats on the delegration - U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden, and Representatives Peter DeFazio Earl Blumenauer Kurt Schrader, and Suzanne Bonamici - Rep. Greg Walden, a Republican who represents Oregon's sprawling 2nd District.
They specifically asked FEMA to immediately offer help including paying for hotels or other shelter for people who lost their homes or are under evacuation orders.
Oregon's U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden, along with U.S. Representatives Peter DeFazio, Earl Blumenauer, Greg Walden, Kurt Schrader, and Suzanne Bonamici, today announced that the White House has approved the state of Oregon's request for an emergency declaration in response to unprecedented and dangerous wildfires that are blanketing the state. The Senators and Representatives had pushed on Wednesday for the declaration to be granted, immediately following Governor Kate Brown's request.