President Donald Trump visited Southern California on Friday to tour the damage done by the ongoing wildfires in the state, where he held a press conference with local officials. Earlier in the day, Trump reiterated that he wants federal disaster relief to be conditional, but this time he made two specific demands.

The unusual debate puts California’s Republican lawmakers in a potentially perilous position, stuck between suffering constituents and the president-elect’s desires. And it presents another test of congressional GOP loyalty to Trump.

It will be hard for the president to revoke FEMA funding. But a GOP-led Congress could slow down the region’s recovery.

According to FEMA the federal government typically covers up to 75% of hazard mitigation costs when a federal disaster is declared, but some Republicans are questioning why the Biden White House chose to cover 100% for California.

The Preventing Our Next Natural Disaster Act calls for changes to how FEMA prepares for disasters, by increasing funding and giving priority to applicants in hardest-hit communities. It would also require a central database to consolidate information collected from all levels of government during disaster responses.

All the talk about attaching conditions to California’s federal disaster aid have placed the state’s Republican members of Congress in a quandary.

GOP Congressman Darrell Issa has introduced a bill in response to the devastating California wildfires aimed at slashing through the regulatory burdens that prevent firefighters from most effectively preventing the fires.

Southern California lawmakers on both sides of the aisle largely agree: No conditions on wildfire aid.

In today’s edition … Martin and Wikler remain ahead in final week of DNC chair race … Democrats eye leveraging the debt ceiling for policy wins.

Freshman Rep. Addison McDowell (R-N.C.) introduced legislation this week to rename the Dulles International Airport (IAD) near Washington after President Trump. McDowell, who represents

Donald Trump departed the White House on Friday for his first trip since his inauguration, with an itinerary that includes a visit to Los Angeles to survey fire damage and get an update on the recovery efforts in the Pacific Palisades.

Experts say it would be hard for Trump to revoke FEMA funding, but Congress could slow down California’s recovery.