Maui fire update: House Oversight to launch inquiry into Biden handling of situation

by Brady Knox, Washington Examiner, August 29, 2023

The House Oversight and Accountability Committee announced plans to investigate President Joe Biden's handling of the recent Maui, Hawaii, wildfires.

In a statement, House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer (R-KY) said the federal response to the wildfire raises "serious questions" to which people "deserve answers." He added that it is well within the scope of the committee, as it takes into account the efficacy of taxpayer dollars.

“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," Comer said.

"As recovery efforts continue, the House Oversight Committee has a responsibility to ensure taxpayer dollars are being used efficiently and effectively. To minimize the risk of waste, fraud, and abuse of taxpayer dollars, the Oversight Committee will examine the federal government’s response in Maui and work with other committees of jurisdiction to ensure accountability,” he said.

The fires, which started Aug. 8, are confirmed to have claimed the lives of at least 115 people, and hundreds more are unaccounted for.

The president was on vacation when the fires began, and he came under fire for waiting 13 days to visit the site of the disaster. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) previously floated a congressional investigation into the administration's handling of the fires.

“I’m very concerned about the response,” he said last week. “How could you lose that many Americans in today’s age? I’m going to be working with committees to investigate what went on so this never happens again.”

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