Rep. Norma Torres (D-CA) gave a Trump official a piece of her mind on Tuesday, delivering a direct rebuttal to a Trump administration official who she argued was dodging her questions.
Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Scott Turner was testifying about his department’s 2027 budget request before a House Appropriations subcommittee when Torres started to press him about funding for Californians whose lives and homes were impacted — and many destroyed — during the fires in January 2025 in Southern California.
“It is a disaster, and yes, they deserve the help. When is the administration going to submit a disaster package for California?” Torres asked.
Turner said that he visited Altadena and the Palisades, that he spoke with families and community members, who are interested in rebuilding.
“Yes, but when is the administration going to submit that request?” Torres said.
Turner tried to push back on Torres’ question.
“If you’re not able to answer that question today,” she said.
Turner interjected but did not speak directly to Torres’ inquiry.
“Part of the problem, from what I understand and talking to the locals, is with local leadership and the stewardship of those dollars prior,” Turner said.
But Torres wasn’t having it.
“I would like to have an opportunity to discuss with you and your staff at length — since you’re not able to give me an answer here today — there shouldn’t be any mention of any supplemental, like the illegal Iran war, without giving California what it needs,” she said. “California pays $275 billion more in federal taxes than it receives in federal funding. Every single program, every agency in this government is subsidized by hardworking Californians that have been injured [by] no fault of their own and they deserve a government that is responsive to their needs.”
TORRES: When is the White House going to submit a disaster package for California? If you’re not able to answer that question— TURNER: Part of the problem is with California leadership TORRES: There shouldn’t be any mention of any supplemental, like the illegal Iran war,… pic.twitter.com/269Z407b8F — Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) May 12, 2026
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