Just last month, I joined my colleagues in Congress to pass the American Relief Act, providing disaster aid to Florida, South Carolina, and Oklahoma.

When that bill was brought to the floor, did my Democratic colleagues or I demand partisan conditions on that aid? No. The idea never once crossed my mind.

Whether you're from a red state or a blue state, we are all Americans and we all deserve support when disaster strikes. That's why I'm standing strong against Republican attempts to attach conditions to federal wildfire aid or eliminate FEMA. You can watch me talk about this critical issue on MSNBC here.

Just like the Floridians, South Carolinians, and Oklahomans who faced natural disasters, the Californians who were hurt in the wildfire were children and parents, grandchildren and grandparents. They lost their homes and their loved ones.

The Members of Congress who represent Southern California have seen the devastation first-hand, and we've worked in our communities to provide the support that constituents need.

I am asking Republican members of Congress to please stop using the pain and suffering of disaster victims for their own political purposes. Add your name >>

Thank you,
Ted