McCarthy Vows Congressional Reaction to Biden’s Management of Maui Fires

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy has urged for an inquiry into the Biden administration’s management of the destructive fires in Maui. Speaking during a press conference in Rep. Brandon Williams’ district, McCarthy expressed deep apprehension about the handling of the Maui crisis.

The enormity of the devastation caused by the fires in Maui has raised many concerns, as hundreds of individuals remain unaccounted for. McCarthy asserted the necessity of a congressional investigation into the response efforts. He questioned how such a significant number of Americans could be lost in the midst of the crisis.

McCarthy also took aim at President Biden for his lack of commentary on the wildfires when he was spotted at a Delaware beach earlier in the month. McCarthy labeled the President’s silence as unacceptable and disclosed his intention to collaborate with committees to thoroughly examine the events to prevent any recurrence.

The White House has not provided an immediate response to requests for comment.

President Biden, accompanied by the first lady Jill Biden, made a visit to Maui on Monday to survey the aftermath of the fires. The disaster has tragically resulted in the death of over 110 individuals, with hundreds more still reported missing. This wildfire incident stands as the deadliest in modern U.S. history.

Biden’s visit to Maui followed initial criticism of his administration for a sluggish response to the disaster. Federal personnel on the ground in Maui have now exceeded 1,000, as confirmed by FEMA on Monday, since the fires initially ignited on August 8th.

During his visit, Biden faced criticism for drawing a comparison between the wildfires and a “small fire that was contained to the kitchen” at his Delaware home, as reported by the Associated Press in 2004.

Although acknowledging the distinct challenges, Biden shared a personal experience of a fire at his home 15 years ago during a Washington visit. He recounted how a lightning strike near his home had led to a close call with his wife, the potential loss of his vintage car, and his cat.