Show-Me State Times

U.S. Senator Josh Hawley, who chairs the Senate Subcommittee on Disaster Management, has sent a letter to Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Acting Administrator David Richardson requesting information about FEMA’s response to the tornadoes that struck Missouri on May 16, 2025.

In his letter, Senator Hawley addressed reports from St. Louis city officials about delays in distributing federal assistance following the disaster. He wrote, “I write regarding the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s response to the May 16, 2025 tornadoes in Missouri. St. Louis city officials have reported delays in the distribution of federal assistance. As you know, the President approved a major disaster declaration for the St. Louis region on June 9. Some reports indicate that various aspects of the approved aid, however, have yet to arrive.”

Senator Hawley also emphasized his role as Chair of the Subcommittee on Disaster Management and asked for cooperation from FEMA in collecting relevant data: “As Chair of the Subcommittee on Disaster Management, I request your help in gathering relevant information. You will agree, I know, that residents of disaster areas should receive approved federal assistance in a timely manner to ensure a swift recovery.”

The letter includes specific questions regarding how much FEMA aid has been provided so far under the June disaster declaration and how much remains outstanding; details about personnel deployed; whether door-to-door services were offered to affected residents; information about any closures of disaster-recovery facilities; and what steps are being taken to expedite resource deployment.

Senator Hawley requested that this information be provided by October 6, 2025.

“I look forward to hearing from you,” he concluded.