Biden’s Maui wildfire response draws House Republican probe
House Republicans are launching an investigation of the federal government’s response to the devastating Lahaina wildfire as they bash President Joe Biden’s handling of the blaze that killed at least 115 and incinerated the historic town on the island of Maui.
The move, announced by the House Oversight and Accountability Committee, comes as House Speaker Kevin McCarthy plans to travel to the disaster site this week. He first floated a probe of the blaze last week.
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“The response by federal, state, and local officials to the catastrophic wildfire in Maui raises serious questions, and Americans, especially those impacted by this tragedy, deserve answers,” Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer said in a statement. “As recovery efforts continue, the House Oversight Committee has a responsibility to ensure taxpayer dollars are being used efficiently and effectively.”
Comer, a Kentucky Republican, added that the committee would examine the federal government’s response “and work with other committees of jurisdiction to ensure accountability.”
Republicans have seized on Biden’s public posture over the incident, including telling reporters “no comment,” when asked about the deaths during a vacation in Delaware that has left him open to attacks from political opponents, including Republican primary frontrunner Donald Trump.
A White House spokeswoman later said Biden didn’t hear the question.
