Longboat Key, Fla. - Today, Congressman Vern Buchanan and Congresswoman Kathy Castor led the entire bipartisan Florida Congressional delegation, including both senators, calling on President Biden to immediately approve Gov. DeSantis’ request for an Expedited Major Disaster Declaration in the wake of Hurricane Milton.
A Major Disaster Declaration will swiftly unlock critical federal resources, including access to FEMA’s individual assistance, public assistance, and hazard mitigation assistance programs.
“Just weeks after Hurricane Helene barreled across Florida and up the East Coast, Hurricane Milton ripped through my district and much of the state, claiming at least 16 lives and causing still untold damage to peoples’ homes, businesses and property,” said Rep. Vern Buchanan. “In order to help our constituents and our communities recover and rebuild, we require the full support of the federal government. A Major Disaster Declaration for Hurricane Milton will do just that and unlock critical resources and federal funding for our state, residents and local communities.”
“As you are undoubtedly aware, Florida has experienced three hurricanes in as many months – two of which have been major hurricanes – causing significant damage across much of the state,” said the lawmakers in the letter. “In fact, Hurricane Milton made landfall on parts of Florida’s coastline that had already suffered from unprecedented storm surge from Hurricane Helene and claimed the lives of 25 Floridians just two weeks ago… We thank you for your consideration of Governor DeSantis’ request and look forward to your expeditious response to this critically important issue.”
While the damage is still being assessed, the primary effects of Hurricane Milton are already being seen, with over a dozen deaths, more than 3.2 million homes and businesses losing power, over 100 mph winds, catastrophic flooding from rainfall of up to 18 inches and storm surge that reached eight to ten feet in certain locations.
Furthermore, as a result of the hurricane, dozens of tornadoes touched down in several locations across the peninsula of Florida, destroying an estimated 150 homes.
Two weeks ago, Congressman Buchanan joined a letter supporting DeSantis’ Expedited Major Disaster Declaration request for Hurricane Helene, which President Biden subsequently approved.
Joining Buchanan and Castor on the letter to Biden were Sens. Marco Rubio and Rick Scott, as well as Reps. Laurel Lee, Jared Moskowitz, Greg Steube, Aaron Bean, Scott Franklin, Maria Elvira Salazar, Kat Cammack, Daniel Webster, Carlos Gimenez, Darren Soto, Neal Dunn, Matt Gaetz, Brian Mast, Gus Bilirakis, Michael Waltz, Byron Donalds, Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, Maxwell Frost, Lois Frankel, Frederica Wilson, Anna Paulina Luna, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Mario Diaz-Balart, Bill Posey, John Rutherford and Cory Mills.
Read the full text of Congressman Buchanan’s letter to President Biden here or below:
Dear President Biden,
We write in support of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ request for an Expedited Major Disaster Declaration for the state of Florida as a result of Hurricane Milton, which made landfall near Siesta Key on October 9th as a powerful Category 3 hurricane.
As you are undoubtedly aware, Florida has experienced three hurricanes in as many months – two of which have been major hurricanes –causing significant damage across much of the state. In fact, Hurricane Milton made landfall on parts of Florida’s coastline that had already suffered from unprecedented storm surge from Hurricane Helene and claimed the lives of 25 Floridians just two weeks ago. Furthermore, dozens of tornadoes were reported on the east and west coasts of the state from the outer bands of Hurricane Milton, destroying an estimated 150 homes and leading to numerous fatalities.
Given the severity of the storm, as evidenced by the at least 16 reported deaths and still untold damages wrought by Hurricane Milton on peoples’ homes, businesses and livelihoods, we urge your immediate consideration of a Major Disaster Declaration, which would provide essential federal resources to help our state respond and recover to the catastrophic damages caused by this devastating storm. The full support of the federal government is critical in helping save lives and getting our communities and constituents back on their feet.
We thank you for your consideration of Governor DeSantis’ request and look forward to your expeditious response to this critically important issue.
Sincerely,
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