House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) is calling for an investigation into President Biden's slow response to the Maui wildfires.
More than 100 people have been confirmed dead and nearly 1,000 people remain missing in the tragedy on the Hawaiin island.
Kevin McCarthy calls for House investigation into Biden response to Maui wildfires https://t.co/x73ShzheOG
— Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) August 24, 2023
"We saw the devastation that happened in Maui. … I'm very concerned about the response," McCarthy said. "We still have hundreds of individuals that are missing. I think there's going to have to be a congressional investigation into the response on Maui. How could you lose that many Americans?
"The president's response — had no comment. That's unacceptable," McCarthy added. "So I am going to work with committees to look at investigating what went on so that never happens again."
“I’m very concerned about the response,” House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) said. “How could you lose that many Americans in today’s age?” https://t.co/1FVBmEKGPm
— The Hill (@thehill) August 23, 2023
"In addition to at least 115 confirmed deaths so far, another 850 people are missing in connection with the fires as of Wednesday afternoon," the Hill reported.
"The initial cause of the fires has not yet been definitively established, but a lawsuit alleges that downed power lines operated by Hawaii’s electric utility started an electrical fire, exacerbated by vegetation that had been dried out amid a severe drought," it added.
Many have criticized the president for taking a week to respond to the wildfires after being on vacation in Delaware during the tragedy.
Biden also dismissed requests for questions about the fire while in Delaware, smiling and saying "no comment" to the anger of Americans.
Republicans have been quick to criticize the response, using the situation as another reason to oppose Biden's efforts at a second term in the White House.
McCarthy's plan to investigate is a good one, though it will be far too late for many impacted by the fires in Maui.
