Rep. Kevin McCarthy shared his takeaways after assessing the damage in Maui caused by various wildfires.
The speaker visited the affected areas of Lahaina by car along with Reps. Jill Tokuda , David Joyce , Jared Moskowitz , and Russ Fulcher . Following touring around on Saturday, the group of representatives held a press conference to discuss what they witnessed and what steps to take going forward.The devastation in Hawaii that I witnessed today is heartbreaking and tragic.
The congressmen took turns sharing details of what they saw, including melted glass and metals, some entire apartment buildings that only had their elevator shafts left standing. "I don’t think anybody can go there and not be moved. I don’t think anybody can go there and not have emotions overtake them," McCarthy said of Lahaina."Walking away, I think the responsibilities as policymakers: honor those who lost their lives, understand the heritage of the location in which it took place. Respect it, but rebuild it."
One reporter asked about Federal Emergency Management Agency funding as a $16 billion request for emergency spending in the wake of the wildfires. McCarthy assured the reporter that"if you talk to FEMA, they have no concerns about where they’re going to be." Then Joyce, as Chairman of the Appropriations Committee, also assured that he would oversee more aid going to the state.
Meanwhile, Maui's death toll remains at 115. According to the Maui Police Department, 40 victims have been identified so far, and their families notified. Eight other victims have been identified, but their families have not been contacted. The county is soliciting the help of locals to identify 388 individuals who have been reported as missing.
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