A political storm that will sing Capitol Hill

How to cut government spending — and how much — is costing Congressional Republicans right now.

Firestorms are scorching Southern California. But a political storm is about to rock Capitol Hill.

The volatility of natural disasters has turned into a financial nightmare for Congress. And frankly, the way lawmakers handle natural disasters creates a major obstacle to doing more damage to the national deficit and debt.

Expect amazing expenses.

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“This is going to be a very expensive event,” said Rep. George Whitesides, D-Calif.

FEMA is responsible for the price tag.

“We know this is going to be billions,” said FEMA director Deanne Criswell.

President Biden vows to help.

“We will pay for it. And we must be prepared to pay for it,” the president said. “We will need the United States Congress to track the funds that will be used to help our fellow Americans who need this help.”

Catastrophic natural disasters are now striking various parts of the US at an alarming rate. Devastating wildfires hit Maui in 2023. Tornado outbreaks are common. Glare caused by heat — or snowstorms accompanied by bone-chilling cold — blacks out the power grid. Two hurricanes, Milton and Helene, spun through the south last year, chewing up property within a few days in the fall. Water spills into rivers, streams, rivers, streams and canals, submerging entire communities.

Congress coughed up $100 billion just before Christmas to help hurricane victims recover. Some of that money goes to help people restart their businesses or pay for rebuilding costs. $27 billion of it reloaded FEMA's Disaster Relief Fund (DRF) to prepare for future emergencies — like the one now burning the Golden State. Milton and Helene complete the DRF.

The aftermath of the Los Angeles wildfires could be a financial disaster for lawmakers as the new Congress tries to deal with America's growing national debt.

But Republicans now control Congress. President-elect Trump is soon in the Oval Office. And when it comes to California — and the potential fires, Republicans may be reluctant to help. That's especially true since the mantra from Republicans is to cut $2 trillion in spending. In fact, there are fears among some Democrats that Congressional Republicans and President-elect Trump may try to punish California — because it leans left.

Republicans now control the House and Senate. Mr. Trump takes office next week.

“When it comes to Congressional funding, the idea that we're going to have an open checkbook, no matter how bad your policies are, is crazy,” said Rep. Warren Davidson, R-Ohio, on FOX Business.

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Democrats have warned of partisan and regional rifts when natural disasters strike.

“California voted to support additional packages for hurricanes in the American South. And now this is our time to need,” said Whitesides.

Several Northern California Republicans told Fox that Democrats from Southern California have been very helpful in coordinating aid for part of the state after the wildfires.

So what happened when the bill came due to the Los Angeles wildfires?

“We are helping all Americans,” said Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., is the top Democrat on the Homeland Security Committee in charge of FEMA.

Members of Congress visit the site of the Altadena wildfire disaster on January 11, 2025. (Derek Shook of Fox News Digital)

Thompson was confident that Congress would meet California's needs.

“If we need to do more, we will,” Thompson said.

Some Republicans blame the wildfires — and the response — to liberal Democrats who control much of California.

“It's a huge tragedy of mismanagement,” said Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., on FOX Business.

“What what happened in California is the fault of (California Gov.) Gavin Newsom (D) and the legislature there.”

“What we are seeing is a failure of policy there and a failure of leadership in California,” added Sen. Bill Hagerty, R-Tenn., on Fox. “We're going to have to have real accountability. We need to be heard to understand… to get to the bottom of what's going on. What's the failure.”

Insurers in California have used hundreds of thousands of homeowner's policies in fire-prone areas because state regulators have banned high premiums — despite the risks. Some Republicans have seized on the issue.

“California made some really bad policy decisions that caused those insurance companies to flee,” said House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La. “The people who made those policy decisions must be held accountable, too.”

Even some Democrats questioned the local response.

Rep. Jimmy Gomez, D-Calif., worked on a bill to help ensure water for all Californians when they turn on the spigot while serving in the state legislature.

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“Why didn't they have water? Was it carelessness or was it just that many fires broke out all over the city in different places until the system was pushed and ended up being frustrated?” asked Gomez.

Some Democrats rebuked the GOP's criticism of California leaders.

“I think that's all ridiculous,” said Rep. Robert Garcia, D-Calif. “I think the governor is doing a great job of managing the response. I don't think we should blame anyone.”

The cost of the fires may mean more money is sought from Congress for FEMA — just as Republicans are beginning to look at cutting billions if not more than a trillion dollars. How can lawmakers pay for natural disasters – and cut all the money?

“It's always going to be difficult. I think we have to prioritize. And, I think we need to pair any major spending with cuts on the other side,” said Rep. Tim Burchett, R-Tenn.

“So to be clear, when that bill comes because of California, do some conservatives want to see some offsets?” asked yours truly Burchett.

The headquarters of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Washington is photographed on October 8, 2024 in Washington, DC. (Kent Nishimura/Getty Images)

“Absolutely,” Burchett replied.

Wildfires would have been a major problem if Congress hadn't included more than $100 billion in FEMA and disaster relief in this bill before Christmas. Yet some Republicans question FEMA's ability to do the job.

“I doubt that the people of California will get the $700 they were promised. Because as happened in North Carolina, Tennessee, many people were denied because all their references were burned or eroded. And there. everything will be burned. It will be just a collection,” predicted Burchett.

A former Florida state emergency management director issued a dire warning.

“I have bad news for everyone. Disasters are coming everywhere,” said Rep. Jared Moskowitz, D-Fla., on MSNBC.

More disasters mean more need for aid. That's a challenge as Republicans try to cut spending.

A few smart people on Capitol Hill have tried to develop a new model for dealing with natural disasters. The current budget model is allocating funds on the basis that NOTHING will happen. And then sometimes it's a challenge for lawmakers to pass a bill that provides more help.

So there were two big storms in the fall. Wildfires now. What's next? An earthquake? Hurricanes? Snow storms? Hurricanes? Drought? Flooding?

There has been debate about creating a “rainy day fund” — perhaps a “rainy day fund” — that Congress can tap to send large chunks of cash without the hassle when natural disasters strike.

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Some natural disasters are unavoidable.

But Congressional funding to cover the cost is far from it.