Central Louisiana News

U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) and John Kennedy (R-LA), U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA-04), U.S. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA-01), and U.S. Representatives Clay Higgins (R-LA-03), Garret Graves (R-LA-06), Julia Letlow (R-LA-05), and Troy Carter (D-LA-02) have urged President Joe Biden to approve Louisiana’s request for a federal emergency declaration ahead of Tropical Storm Francine.

“We write in support of Governor Jeff Landry’s request for a federal emergency declaration in advance of Tropical Storm Francine,” wrote the Louisiana delegation. “In anticipation of landfall as a potential Category 2 hurricane, Governor Landry has requested emergency protective measures (Category B) and direct federal assistance under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. The expected impact of this storm requires federal assistance to supplement the state and local government response.”

“The National Weather Service anticipates Hurricane Francine to bring high winds, heavy rainfall, and life-threatening storm surge to Louisiana. On September 9, 2024, Governor Landry declared a statewide emergency and directed the execution of the State’s Emergency Operations Plan. The State of Louisiana has further determined this storm is of such magnitude that federal assistance is needed to protect our communities,” continued the Louisiana delegation.

Yesterday, Cassidy similarly urged President Joe Biden to grant a federal emergency declaration for Louisiana ahead of soon-to-be Hurricane Francine’s anticipated landfall as a Category 1 or 2 hurricane.

Read the full letter here or below:

President Biden,

We write in support of Governor Jeff Landry’s request for a federal emergency declaration in advance of Tropical Storm Francine.

In anticipation of landfall as a potential Category 2 hurricane, Governor Landry has requested emergency protective measures (Category B) and direct federal assistance under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. The expected impact of this storm requires federal assistance to supplement the state and local government response.

The National Weather Service anticipates Hurricane Francine to bring high winds, heavy rainfall, and life threatening storm surge to Louisiana. On September 9, 2024, Governor Landry declared a statewide emergency and directed the execution of the State’s Emergency Operations Plan. The State of Louisiana has further determined this storm is of such magnitude that federal assistance is needed to protect our communities.

We urge you to quickly review and approve the emergency declaration request and coordinate federal assistance. Thank you for your attention to this important matter.

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