On November 13, the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging, led by Chairman Rick Scott, and the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, chaired by Ron Johnson, will hold a field hearing in Pacific Palisades, California. The hearing is titled “Forgotten After the Flames: Stories from the Palisades Fire,” and focuses on the January 2025 wildfire that caused significant destruction in the community.
The fire resulted in billions of dollars in property damage and claimed 12 lives. According to organizers, survivors and local leaders have expressed concerns that their experiences have not been adequately addressed following the disaster. The hearing aims to highlight these stories and review shortcomings in government preparedness and response at various levels.
Chairman Scott and Chairman Johnson are conducting a congressional investigation into the fire’s impact and response efforts. As part of this process, they have sent letters seeking information from officials including the president of the Los Angeles City Council, Janisse Quiñones (CEO of Los Angeles Department of Water and Power), former Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Crowley, USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, DOI Secretary Doug Burgum, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. One letter asks Treasury Secretary Bessent to examine reports alleging that foreign entities may be acquiring land destroyed by wildfires.
Chairman Scott stated that many survivors feel their voices "have been ignored in the aftermath." He said that through this investigation they aim to "uncover what went wrong from the community’s perspective, identify opportunities for reform, and ensure that no community is left behind in future disaster preparation or recovery efforts."
Witnesses scheduled to testify include Tom Doran (Caregiver Survivor; Squadron 283 Executive Committee Member), David Schwarz (Chairman of Pacific Palisades Community Council Rebuilding Committee), Jessica Rogers (President of Pacific Palisades Resident Association), John Alle (President of John Alle Company), as well as Bruce and Rachel Schwartz—all identified as survivors of the Palisades Fire.
The hearing will take place at 15247 La Cruz Drive in Pacific Palisades at 9:00 AM PT. A live broadcast will be available online.
