Congressman Cleaver, Missouri Delegation Call For FEMA’s Emergency Approval of Major Disaster Declaration Following Severe Storms

(Washington, D.C.)– Today, U.S. Representatives Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO), Sam Graves (R-MO), Vicky Hartzler (R-MO), Jason Smith (R-MO), Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-MO), Ann Wagner (R-MO), and Billy Long (R-MO), along with U.S. Senators Roy Blunt (R-MO) and Josh Hawley (R-MO), called on the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to approve Governor Mike Parson's recent request for a Major Disaster Declaration following severe storms and flooding throughout the state of Missouri, including in Ray and Saline counties.

In a letter to FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell, the lawmakers wrote:

"Damage assessments have brought to light the severity and magnitude of this storm system's impact on individuals and public infrastructure. Tragically, there have been two confirmed deaths as a result of these storms and associated flooding. Joint PDAs have estimated just over $10 million in damage to public infrastructure and emergency response costs, with nearly $7.3 million in damage to roads and bridges alone."

We appreciate your service in leading the nation's disaster recovery efforts, as well as FEMA's speedy response in initiating the joint PDA process. We request FEMA's due consideration to Governor Parson's request for a Major Disaster Declaration, and hope that FEMA will continue to work closely with state officials as this process moves forward," the lawmakers continued.

The official letter from lawmakers is available

Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri's Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Blue Springs, Grain Valley, Oak Grove, North Kansas City, Gladstone, Claycomo, and all of Ray, Lafayette, and Saline Counties. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee; Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Housing, Community Development, and Insurance; member of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress; member of the Committee on Homeland Security; and a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. For more information, please contact Matt Helfant at 202-590-0175 or matthew.helfant@mail.house.gov