Letter to the Hon. Donald Trump, President of the United States - Senator Roberts Urges President Trump to Add Countries Impacted By Tornadoes to National Emergency Declaration

Letter

Dear President Trump:

I write to ask for your authorization allowing the Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) the authority to provide appropriate assistance to state and local agencies in the Kansas counties affected by both the straight line storm systems and most recently, tornadoes across Kansas.

Last night, multiple tornadoes, including one reportedly more than a mile wide, tore through the heartland, destroying Kansans' homes, businesses and livelihoods. This afternoon, Governor Laura Kelly added seven more counties to the state disaster proclamation issued on May 9 after extreme rains swelled rivers and overtopped levees, causing destructive flooding. This declaration now brings the total number of counties to 56, encompassing more than half the state.

Mr. President, I ask that you please expedite the Governor's request for assistance due to a number of mitigating factors, including weather forecasts predicting more storms, strains already placed on state and local resources, as well as the extreme damage already witnessed across the state. The road to recovery will be long, but with the efforts of our first responders coupled with your help, we will be able to overcome. Thank you for your consideration of this matter.

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