Republican Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders requested federal aid for people in Arkansas who were impacted by a string of deadly storms and tornadoes that ripped through much of the state back in mid-March. Trump denied her request, and the state is now appealing his decision. Her request for FEMA aid was denied, so she wrote to Trump again to appeal his denial of the state’s much-needed aid. The storms were the worst in the region since 1997.
Sarah Huckabee Sanders Pens Letter
The letter is signed by Sarah Huckabee Sanders, both of Arkansas’ senators, and all four of its representatives. In the letter, the lawmakers begged Trump to reconsider issuing the funding. “As Governor Sanders noted in her request, these storms caused catastrophic damage across the state, resulting in disastrous amounts of debris, widespread destruction to homes and businesses, the deaths of three Arkansans, and injuries to many more,” the letter reads.
Arkansas Suffers Deadly Storms
The letter goes on to note that the state had been ravaged by another set of storms that brought with them a “generational flood” that compounded the need for help and resulted in three deaths. “Given the cumulative impact and sheer magnitude of destruction from these severe weather events, federal assistance is vital to ensure that state and local communities have the capabilities needed to rebuild,” the lawmakers wrote in the letter.
63 of 75 Counties Affected
The Arkansas delegation assessed the damage to be $8.8 million. Sarah Huckabee Sanders has requested a 30-day extension on submitting a disaster declaration. She shares that the state needs time to analyze the damage in 63 of its 75 counties.“The entire Arkansas delegation is eager to assist in any way possible to ensure the expedited evaluation of these requests,” the letter concluded.
Trump Criticizes FEMA
Trump’s denial comes just as his administration publicly criticized FEMA and its efforts. Trump’s criticism of the agency goes all the way back to when he was still on the campaign trail. He continued to criticize the agency during his first few days in the White House.
Kristi Noem Wants To End FEMA
Kristi Noem, Trump’s Secretary of Homeland Security, commented back in late March that she planned on eliminating FEMA. Trump felt that was a brilliant idea. Back in January, Trump said that he would sign an executive order to fundamentally overhaul the agency or get rid of it completely.
Sanders Says Aid Is Crucial
Sarah Huckabee Sanders said in her latest request to the administration that the state’s need for help was “crucial,” adding it was necessary if the affected counties were to rebuild. “I am formally appealing the denial of Individual Assistance,” Sanders wrote in a letter to Trump. “I respectfully ask that you consider the significant strain the citizens of Arkansas have endured over the past month.”
