Congresswoman Torres Reintroduces Bill to Address Mudslide Damage and Protect Communities
Washington, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Norma J. Torres (CA-35) reintroduced the Mudslide Recovery Act, a pivotal piece of legislation aimed at tackling the widespread devastation caused by mudslides, which often follow wildfires. This bill directs the Departments of Interior and Homeland Security to launch a pilot grant program designed to help communities repair the extensive damage caused by these catastrophic debris flows. These flows can occur with little warning, sometimes years after a wildfire, posing a severe threat to homes, infrastructure, and human lives.
"Just last month, Southern California faced its largest fires in history, and our communities are still recovering. This week, we will also face an atmospheric river that can cause devastating mudslides in areas that experienced the worst wildfires. Mudslides that come after fires highlight the urgent need for swift action to protect our communities and help them recover. Californians are facing the triple threat of mudslides, floods, and wildfires, and having personally lost my home to a fire, I know all too well the hardships of rebuilding after a disaster," said Congresswoman Torres. "This bill is a vital step toward providing the resources families and businesses need to recover from these destructive events. By delivering this crucial support, we can help communities rebuild, restore their homes, and regain their strength. I’m committed to securing the necessary funding for these communities and look forward to working across party lines to bring this urgent assistance to those who need it most."
The Mudslide Recovery Act is a critical step toward addressing the long-term impact of California wildfires, ensuring that communities have the resources they need to recover and rebuild in the face of these growing environmental challenges.
For more information, you can view the full text of the bill here.
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