Earlier this month, 28 counties across the Commonwealth suffered extensive damage from the aftermaths of Tropical Storm Debby
Members urge President Biden to swiftly declare major disaster declaration
Members: “Individual Assistance from the federal government is critical for helping households and individuals […] recover. […] It is already evident that multiple counties have been severely impacted, leaving many people displaced, particularly some of our most vulnerable Pennsylvanians”
Washington, D.C. –Today, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) led a bipartisan, bicameral group of Members of Congress in urging President Biden to approve a request by Governor Josh Shapiro for a major disaster declaration for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The Members pressed the President to provide swift assistance to the counties across the Commonwealth that experienced severe storms and flooding earlier this month. If granted, the declaration would help Pennsylvanians cover their expenses and needs as they recover from Tropical Storm Debby’s damages.
“Individual Assistance from the federal government is critical for helping households and individuals cover uninsured or underinsured expenses and needs as they recover from Tropical Storm Debby’s damages. […] It is already evident that multiple counties have been severely impacted, leaving many people displaced, particularly some of our most vulnerable Pennsylvanians. To expedite the Commonwealth’s efforts to rebuild and move forward, we ask that you approve Governor Shapiro’s request swiftly,” the Members wrote.
In addition to Senator Casey, the letter was signed by: U.S. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA), and U.S. Representatives Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA-6), Matt Cartwright (D-PA-8), Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA-15), Madeleine Dean (D-PA-4), and Susan Wild (D-PA-7).
Full text of the letter to President Biden is below and can be found HERE.
Dear Mr. President:
In August of 2024, remnants of Tropical Storm Debby moved across the Commonwealth, bringing severe storms and flooding to Pennsylvania. Multiple counties experienced damage as a result of the storm, and many Pennsylvanians are now experiencing hardship as they navigate the path toward recovery. Governor Josh Shapiro has authorized the use of state resources to support immediate recovery efforts and has requested that you authorize Individual Assistance to help eligible individuals and households impacted by the storms and flooding. We support Governor Shapiro’s request and we ask for immediate action that you act to provide federal aid to the Commonwealth.
To support recovery efforts in affected communities, Governor Shapiro issued a disaster declaration for 28 counties, authorizing $5 million in state funding immediately available for initial response and authorizing state agencies to deploy additional resources and personnel. While these measures taken by Governor Shapiro will support immediate relief efforts, it is likely the Commonwealth will require additional resources to sufficiently address the damage and support the long-term recovery of impacted communities. Individual Assistance from the federal government is critical for helping households and individuals cover uninsured or underinsured expenses and needs as they recover from Tropical Storm Debby’s damages. To expedite the Commonwealth’s efforts to rebuild and move forward, we ask that you approve Governor Shapiro’s request swiftly.
The Commonwealth is currently working on a joint preliminary damage assessment to better understand the scope of damages resulting from the August storms and flooding. However, we understand that it is already evident that multiple counties have been severely impacted, leaving many people displaced, particularly some of our most vulnerable Pennsylvanians. As the Commonwealth collects more information regarding the damages and needs of these communities, we ask that your administration provide the necessary support should the damage assessments make them eligible for additional assistance, particularly to assist with damage to core infrastructure.
To accelerate Pennsylvania’s recovery, we urge you to approve Governor Shapiro’s current major disaster declaration request and to work with the Commonwealth as officials collect more information on the damages and repair needs that have resulted from Tropical Storm Debby. Thank you for your consideration.
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