Rep. Cleaver, Missouri Delegation Urge President Trump to Support Disaster Declaration for Areas Impacted by Severe Weather

Statement

Today, the entire Missouri congressional delegation, including U.S. Representatives Emanuel Cleaver, II, Sam Graves, Wm. Lacy Clay, Jason Smith, Billy Long, Vicky Hartzler, Ann Wagner, and Blaine Leutkemeyer, as well as U.S. Senators Roy Blunt and Josh Hawley, sent a letter urging President Trump to support Governor Mike Parson's request for a federal emergency disaster declaration for 19 counties impacted by severe storms and tornadoes in early May. The disaster declaration is a necessary step in order for these counties to access critically important federal resources for recovery efforts.

"State and federal assessment teams have observed damage to electric power systems and public infrastructure as a result of the storms; State Emergency Management Agency and Federal Emergency Management Agency officials have estimated that more than $9.3 million in damages are eligible for federal assistance. This event has compounded the financial stress that already encumbers the state due to COVID-19," the delegation wrote. "We respectfully request your prompt action to ensure that these communities receive the immediate support needed to respond to the disaster."

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