Show-Me State Times

U.S. Senator Josh Hawley, representing Missouri, has taken the lead in a call for federal assistance following severe weather events in the state. He is joined by fellow members of the Missouri Congressional delegation, including Senator Eric Schmitt and Representatives Blaine Luetkemeyer, Mark Alford, and Jason Smith. Together, they have urged President Joe Biden to approve a major disaster declaration requested by Missouri Governor Mike Parson.

The request follows storms that hit Missouri last month, resulting in at least two tornadoes, high winds, significant rainfall between six to ten inches, and flooding across eastern and southern parts of the state. The lawmakers emphasized the severity of the situation in their communication with President Biden.

“These storms caused significant damage to private and public property and tragically took the lives of at least seven people. State and local governments continue to grapple with the fallout from these severe weather events,” stated the Missouri lawmakers. They further added their request for swift action to ensure affected communities receive necessary aid.

Governor Parson had formally requested this major disaster declaration on November 26th after multiple severe weather incidents occurred between November 3rd and November 9th. The appeal covers public assistance for 14 counties within Missouri's 114 counties as well as hazard mitigation efforts statewide.

The letter concluded with expressions of readiness from Hawley and his colleagues to assist in any way possible while expressing gratitude for immediate attention to their request.