U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan representing Florida's 16th Congressional District | Official U.S. House headshot
U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan representing Florida's 16th Congressional District | Official U.S. House headshot
Longboat Key, Fla. - Congressman Vern Buchanan and Congresswoman Kathy Castor have led the Florida Congressional delegation in urging President Biden to approve Governor Ron DeSantis’ request for an Expedited Major Disaster Declaration following Hurricane Milton.
Such a declaration would enable access to essential federal resources, including FEMA’s individual assistance, public assistance, and hazard mitigation 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.”
The delegation highlighted that Florida has faced three hurricanes in recent months, with two classified as major hurricanes. They noted that Hurricane Milton hit areas already affected by storm surges from Hurricane Helene. “We thank you for your consideration of Governor DeSantis’ request and look forward to your expeditious response to this critically important issue,” they stated.
Hurricane Milton's impact includes over a dozen fatalities, power outages affecting more than 3.2 million homes and businesses, winds exceeding 100 mph, significant flooding from rainfall up to 18 inches, storm surges reaching eight to ten feet in some areas, as well as tornadoes damaging approximately 150 homes.
Congressman Buchanan had previously supported an Expedited Major Disaster Declaration for Hurricane Helene which was approved by President Biden.
The letter supporting this new request was signed by Senators Marco Rubio and Rick Scott along with numerous representatives including Laurel Lee, Jared Moskowitz, Greg Steube among others.
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