Rep. Kat Cammack, Rep. Jared Moskowitz Lead Florida Colleagues In Bipartisan Letter To President Biden Requesting Revised Presidential Declaration For Emergency Assistance

GAINESVILLE, FL — As Hurricane Debby makes its way across Florida and the southeast this afternoon, Congresswoman Cammack (R-FL-03) and Congressman Jared Moskowitz (D-FL-23) led a letter with their Florida colleagues to President Biden requesting the activation of Public Assistance Category A (debris removal) in the storm's aftermath. 

Florida members on the letter include Sen. Marco Rubio, Rep. Neal Dunn, Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, Reps. Vern Buchanan, Rep. Michael Waltz, Rep. Gus Bilirakis, Rep. Bill Posey, Rep. Daniel Webster, Rep. Greg Steube, Rep. Cory Mills, Rep. Carlos Gimenez, Rep. Aaron Bean, Rep. Brian Mast, Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, Rep. Scott Franklin, Rep. John Rutherford, Rep. Matt Gaetz, Rep. Darren Soto, Rep. Maxwell Frost, Rep. Kathy Castor, Rep. Sheila Cherfilus McCormick, Rep. Lois Frankel, Rep. Frederica Wilson, and Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz. 

The text of the letter is below. 

Dear Mr. President,

We write to express our strong support for the State of Florida's request for the activation of Public Assistance Category A (Debris Removal) as Hurricane Debby made landfall near Steinhatchee in Florida’s Big Bend. We appreciate the approval of the Public Assistance Category B (Emergency Protective Measures) but believe that Category A (Debris Removal) is critical to ensuring the safety and recovery of our communities in the aftermath of the storm.

Hurricane Debby continues to bring severe weather conditions, including high winds, heavy rainfall, and flooding, posing a significant threat to public safety and infrastructure. By granting approval for Category A Public Assistance, we can efficiently mobilize resources, coordinate debris removal efforts, and mitigate the risks associated with post-storm debris.

The approval of Category A will enable local and state agencies to:

• Accelerate Debris Removal: Immediate removal of debris will reduce hazards to life and property, ensuring that emergency services and utility restoration can proceed without delay.
• Enhance Public Safety: Clearing roads and public spaces of debris will facilitate safe evacuation routes and access for emergency responders.
• Minimize Environmental Impact: Swift debris removal will prevent environmental contamination and secondary hazards that can arise from accumulated debris.
• Optimize Resource Allocation: Approval will streamline the deployment of personnel and equipment, allowing for a more efficient and cost-effective response.

Given the current impacts and continued severity of Hurricane Debby, your prompt approval of State of Florida’s request is essential and will assist our communities by reducing the recovery time post-storm.

We respectfully ask, within all applicable rules and regulation, that you urgently review and respond to the State of Florida’s request and issue the activation of Public Assistance Category A (Debris Removal) in response to Hurricane Debby. We also ask that you expedite any additional requests for assistance the state may subsequently submit.

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