Senate Joint Resolution Advances: Calls for Federal Aid in Wake of Navy North Hangar Fire in Tustin
Sacramento, Calif. – In a significant step forward, Senate Joint Resolution 13 (SJR 13) has passed the Senate Environmental Quality Committee with a unanimous, bipartisan vote of 7-0.
SJR 13, championed by Senator Josh Newman (D-Fullerton), calls for federal support to fund disaster cleanup following the devastating fire at the Navy North Hangar in Tustin, California. The bill now proceeds to the full Senate, marking a crucial milestone in Senator Newman’s efforts to secure essential federal funding for the ongoing recovery efforts.
On November 7, 2023, a fire ripped through the historic World War II-era hangar at the former Marine Corps Air Station in Tustin, and the impacts have reverberated throughout the region. The massive wooden structure burned for nearly a month, directly impacting more than 1,500 homes, 29 local schools, and 14,000 residents. The fallout from the blaze has left the city grappling with unprecedented financial burdens, as emergency expenses have surpassed 100% of the annual budget for the 2023-2024 fiscal year.
SJR 13, co-authored by Senator Newman, Senator Tom Umberg (D-Santa Ana), and Assemblywoman Cottie Petrie-Norris (D-Irvine), calls on Congress and President Biden to allocate $100 million in supplemental funding dedicated to cleanup and mitigation efforts at the site and in the surrounding communities. The resolution also urges the president to declare a national emergency, recognizing the severity and ongoing impacts of the fallout from the Navy North Hangar Fire.
Senator Newman emphasized the critical need for federal assistance, saying, “The Navy North Hangar Fire has had a devastating impact on the Tustin community, both financially and environmentally. Securing federal resources for remediation and cleanup efforts is critical. I am grateful for the support of my colleagues and local leaders as we continue to press for federal aid to address the enduring recovery and mitigation challenges.”
Tustin Mayor Austin Lumbard echoed the need, saying, “The City of Tustin strongly supports Senate Joint Resolution 13 and appreciates the efforts by Senator Newman and co-authors Senator Umberg and Assemblymember Petrie-Norris in bringing this critical resolution forward. SJR 13 urges Congress to provide federal funding to address the impacts of the Navy North Hangar Fire and to protect public health, the environment, and the local economy. The Navy North Hangar disaster has our city and community facing financial peril and has created a dire need for immediate assistance.”
Senator Newman remains committed to advocating for the financial and environmental support that the Tustin community needs to recover from the impacts of the devastating fire.
Community updates can be found on this dedicated webpage.
To schedule an interview with Senator Newman, contact Brian Wheatley at 916.651.4029.
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State Senator Josh Newman represents the 29th Senate District, which is comprised of portions of Los Angeles County, Orange County, and San Bernardino County. The 29th District includes all or parts of the cities of Anaheim, Brea, Buena Park, Chino Hills, City of Industry, Cypress, Diamond Bar, Fullerton, La Habra, La Palma, Placentia, Rowland Heights, Stanton, Walnut, West Covina and Yorba Linda. Senator Newman is a former United States Army officer, businessperson, and veterans’ advocate, and lives in Fullerton with his wife and daughter.