WASHINGTON – Today, Representative Jason Smith (MO-08), along with Rep. Wesley Bell (MO-01), Senators Josh Hawley (R-MO) and Eric Schmitt (R-MO), and Reps. Ann Wagner, Sam Graves, Mark Alford, Eric Burlison, Emmanuel Cleaver, and Bob Onder led a letter to President Donald J. Trump respectfully requesting he grant Governor Mike Kehoe’s request to immediately authorize a federal disaster declaration in 28 Missouri counties impacted by recent severe weather and make available federal assistance to support Missouri’s recovery efforts.

Representative Smith said, “The devastation in Missouri caused by severe weather, violent tornadoes, and widespread flooding in recent weeks is heartbreaking and has left many communities in Southeast Missouri struggling to get back on their feet. I applaud Governor Kehoe’s swift action to declare a State of Emergency in Missouri to enable first responders, road crews, and emergency management officials to begin initial damage assessments, and alongside my colleagues, respectfully urge the federal government to follow suit. The severity of this disaster necessitates a coordinated response from both the state and federal governments to begin deploying vital aid, including shelter assistance and other desperately needed recovery efforts.”

Joining Representatives Smith and Bell and Senators Hawley and Schmitt in signing the letter to President Donald Trump are Missouri Representatives Ann Wagner (MO-01), Bob Onder (MO-03), Mark Alford (MO-04), Emmanual Cleaver (MO-05), Sam Graves (MO-06), and Eric Burleson (MO-07). The request from Governor Kehoe was for assistance in cleaning up after the storms that impacted Missouri from March 14-15 this year.