Spencer Pratt backs Schiff on wildfire tax relief

Scott said California politicians had failed residents after the fires and said he flew to Los Angeles to meet Pratt at the burned lot of his home. He called the scene devastating and said that meeting helped drive the push for the bill. Scott added that he appreciated Pratt’s work in helping lawmakers deliver relief for wildfire victims.

The scale of the damage helps explain why the tax relief drew attention beyond partisan lines. The 2025 California wildfires destroyed nearly 13,000 housing units and caused an estimated $28.0 billion to $53.8 billion in losses, according to the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation. For many families, the fight is not only about replacing homes but also about surviving the financial fallout that comes after a disaster.

Pratt was not the only California conservative to welcome Schiff’s role in the effort. Republican farmer James Johansson, who is running for the California State Assembly, also thanked Scott and Schiff for pushing the measure forward and said northern California has gone through a lot. He praised Rep. Doug LaMalfa as a champion for the region and said his legacy would endure.

LaMalfa, for whom the bill is named, represented a northern California district in the House for 13 years and was known for advocating agricultural interests before his death in January following a heart-related medical emergency. Schiff’s office did not respond to a request for comment. The bill’s fate now rests with the president, and the outcome will determine whether wildfire victims get the tax break and income treatment supporters say could ease the cost of rebuilding. For American readers, the story is a reminder that disaster recovery often turns on practical relief, not partisan slogans.