Today, U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) led members of the Missouri Congressional delegation—including Senator Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer (Mo.), Rep. Mark Alford (Mo.), and Rep. Jason Smith (Mo.)—in urging President Joe Biden to approve Missouri Governor Mike Parson’s request for a major disaster declaration following severe storms and flooding in Missouri last month. The storms generated at least two tornadoes, high winds, six to ten inches of rain, and flooding across eastern and southern Missouri.
“These storms caused significant damage to private and public property and tragically took the lives of at least seven people. State and local governments continue to grapple with the fallout from these severe weather events,” the Missouri lawmakers wrote. “We respectfully request your swift action to ensure that the affected Missouri communities receive the necessary assistance to respond to the disaster.”
Read the full letter here or below:
December 2, 2024
The Honorable Joseph R. Biden
President of the United States
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington, DC 20500
Dear President Biden,
We write to support Missouri Governor Mike Parson’s request to approve a major presidential disaster declaration, as authorized by the Stafford Act, for public assistance in 14 of Missouri’s 114 counties, as well as hazard mitigation statewide.
On Tuesday, November 26, Governor Parson requested a major disaster declaration after multiple severe weather events—including heavy storms, tornadoes, and flooding—occurred across Missouri between November 3 and November 9. These storms caused significant damage to private and public property and tragically took the lives of at least seven people. State and local governments continue to grapple with the fallout from these severe weather events.
We respectfully request your swift action to ensure that the affected Missouri communities receive the necessary assistance to respond to the disaster. Along with our fellow Missourians, we appreciate your immediate attention to this request and stand ready to assist.
Sincerely,
Josh Hawley
United States Senator
Eric Schmitt
United States Senator
Blaine Luetkemeyer
Member of Congress
Mark Alford
Member of Congress
Jason Smith
Member of Congress