WASHINGTON, D.C. – In a letter to President Barack Obama, Congressman Ike Skelton (D-MO) urged the Administration to promptly approve Governor Jay Nixon’s recent request to declare a federal disaster for several Missouri counties that experienced damage as a result of recent severe thunderstorms, including eight in Missouri’s Fourth Congressional District.  A copy of the Congressman’s letter is set forth below:

____________________________

May 22, 2009

The President
The White House
Washington, DC 20500

Dear Mr. President,

          Recently, portions of Missouri’s Fourth Congressional District were impacted by severe storms.  High winds, hail, tornados, flooding and flash-flooding destroyed property and lives in a number of counties in my district, killing at least seven people throughout the state.

          It has come to my attention that the Governor of Missouri has requested federal disaster declarations for several counties in the state, including eight in the Fourth District.  During emergencies, citizens expect the government to provide assistance and readily deploy critical services.

          So that Missourians can promptly begin to restore their property and rebuild their lives, I urge you to expedite the Governor’s request and immediately declare a federal disaster for storm ravaged Missouri counties.

          With best regards, I am

                                                  Very truly yours,

                                                  IKE SKELTON
                                                  Member of Congress 

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Congressman Ike Skelton (D-MO) serves as Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee . For further information, please contact Rebecca Loving or Whitney Frost at 202-225-2876, or check Congressman Skelton’s website at http://www.house.gov/skelton.