2023-08-21 Congress (Calvert, McCarthy) - Ltr to Biden re Federal Disaster Assistance for HilaryTongues of the liniteit Afh#rs
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August 21, 2023
The Honorable Joseph R. Biden
President of the United States
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Ave, NW
Washington, DC 20500
Dear President Biden:
We write to request your immediate action in declaring a major disaster declaration for
Southern California regarding Tropical Storm Hilary should a request be made by
Governor Newsom. We also request that additional resources be provided by Federal
Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to affected local governments and
municipalities to assist with disaster recovery efforts. Since August 18, 2023, the storm
has caused widespread flooding, erosion, power outages, road closures, and debris flows
that have threatened the lives and livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of Californians.
The intensity and damages of the storm have placed a significant strain on state and local
government's ability to protect public health and safety. Additional actions are needed
requiring federal assistance, coordination, and resources to supplement state and local
efforts.
On August 19, 2023, Governor Newsom proclaimed a state of emergency for 15 counties
including Alpine, Fresno, Imperial, Inyo, Kern, Los Angeles, Mono, Orange, Riverside,
San Bernadino, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Tulare, and Ventura. Should
the state of California seek a federal disaster designation, we ask that your administration
grant the request immediately to add federal assets and resources to these critical
recovery efforts. Thank you for your attention to this urgent issue.
Sincerely,
Ken Calvert Kevin McCarthy
Member of Congress Speaker of the House
David G. Valadao Michelle Steel
Member of Congress Member of Congress
Jay Obernolte Mike Garcia
Member of Congress Member of Congress
Kevin Kiley Young Kim
Member of Congress Member of Congress