RELEASE: Friedman Statement Marking One Year Since Deadly Wildfires

BURBANK, CA — Today, January 7, 2026, U.S. Representative Laura Friedman (CA-30) released the following statement: 

“Today, we remember those who lost their lives, homes, and livelihoods in last year’s devastating wildfires across Los Angeles. Our community is still healing, one year later. In our darkest hour, Angelenos turned to one another — neighbors, families, and friends — and found strength in our community.

Here is what I have been working on to help make the path to rebuilding a little easier. My bipartisan Don’t Penalize Victims Act will cut through FEMA bureaucracy and protect disaster victims from being punished just for accepting donations from neighbors, churches, or charities. The best part is, it is on the fast track to becoming law. Greedy businesses should not be able to profit while people are struggling to rebuild. I have been advocating for my Stop Disaster Price Gouging Act to prevent the kind of exploitation we see too often after disasters. And I am continuing to fight to make sure the federal government, including the previous administration, steps up and delivers the wildfire relief our community deserves.

I will also keep fighting for an honest and public accounting of what happened before, during, and after the fire. That means a full analysis of the response, prevention efforts, and coordination breakdowns, so we can make sure this never happens again. 

As always, please know that my office is here to help with any federal agency you may be having issues with. You will never have to advocate for yourself alone.”

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