Letter to The President

Letter

U.S. Congressman Jason Altmire (PA-04), U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA), U.S. Senator Pat Toomey (R-PA) and Congressmen Tim Holden (D-PA), Charlie Dent (R-PA), Mike Doyle (D-PA), Tom Marino (R-PA), Joe Pitts (R-PA), Lou Barletta (R-PA), Allyson Schwartz (D-PA), Todd Platts (R-PA), Tim Murphy (R-PA), Glenn 'GT' Thompson (R-PA) and Jim Gerlach (R-PA) have urged President Obama to support Pennsylvania's request for a federal disaster declaration as heavy rains cause massive flooding across the state.

"Potentially catastrophic flooding is taking place along the Susquehanna River in Pennsylvania which has had a devastating effect on communities in the region," the members wrote in a letter to the President on Thursday. "Federal resources are necessary to ensure that these communities are well positioned to continue this preparation and effectively implement recovery measures. We are united as a delegation in our effort to ensure that all appropriate federal disaster resources are available to these communities."

The full text of the letter is below:

Dear Mr. President:

Potentially catastrophic flooding is taking place along the Susquehanna River in Pennsylvania which has had a devastating effect on communities in the region. Pennsylvanian Governor Tom Corbett has formally requested the designation of a federal disaster in the area. We write to strongly urge you to expedite your review of this request and approve it without delay.

Communities along the Susquehanna River and along its tributaries are taking action to prepare for potential flooding. Federal resources are necessary to ensure that these communities are well positioned to continue this preparation and effectively implement recovery measures. We are united as a delegation in our effort to ensure that all appropriate federal disaster resources are available to these communities.

Given the severity of the damage inflicted on these communities by the floods, we respectfully ask that you move quickly to expedite the positive consideration of this request. Thank you in advance for your consideration of our views. On behalf of the communities impacted by these storms, thank you and your team for your service and efforts during this challenging time.