After Hurricane Idalia swept across the Sunshine State and hit ferociously areas such as the Big Bend, Florida legislators from the U.S. Congress are supporting Governor Ron DeSantis' (R-FL) request for the Biden administration to approve his Major Disaster Declaration.
Sent a letter with @SenRickScott and members of the Florida delegation to President Biden in support of @GovRonDeSantis’ Major Disaster Declaration request. pic.twitter.com/mJQrfyYayc
— Senator Marco Rubio (@SenMarcoRubio) August 31, 2023
They wrote, "We write in support of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis's request for a Major Disaster Declaration due to Hurricane Idalia, which caused catastrophic damage as it made landfall near Keaton Beach as a major hurricane early yesterday morning. Hurricane Idalia's devastating wind speeds, historic storm surge, and heavy rainfall severely impacted substantial portions of the state, with significant flooding, massive power outages, and widespread damage that will take a strong partnership to recover and rebuild."
The lawmakers, including Senators Rick Scott (R-FL) and Marco Rubio (R-FL), as well as Representatives Kat Cammack (R-FL), Vern Buchanan (R-FL), Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Kathy Castor (D-FL), Neal Dunn (R-FL), Laurel Lee (R-FL), Daniel Webster (R-FL), and Mike Waltz (R-FL) would go on to write that approving this declaration will "allow Floridians to be better prepared for the recovery phase."
"This major hurricane will continue to impact the state for some time, and the full extent of damage will not be known for days. However, approving this declaration request will allow Floridians to be better prepared for the recovery phase. As such, we urge you to approve the State of Florida's request for a Major Disaster Declaration," wrote the lawmakers.
Moreover, Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) accused the Biden administration of playing politics as well.
As Hurricane Idalia was fast approaching the Gulf Coast of Florida, CNN’s Jake Tapper questioned the Biden administration’s decision to couple emergency funding for the recent natural disasters with funding for the Ukraine war effort.
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told Tapper that “I don’t want to get into hypotheticals,” and that “The President put forward what he thinks is incredibly important that we need.”
Sen. Scott responded, saying that the effects felt by Hurricane Idalia are not “hypothetical.”
Floridians are facing once-in-a-lifetime devastation & destruction from #Idalia. This isn’t a “hypothetical.” It’s Florida families’ livelihoods, and my Federal Disaster Responsibility Act makes sure the federal government shows up.
Stop playing politics. Floridians can’t wait. pic.twitter.com/4xz4hqbh5V
— Rick Scott (@SenRickScott) August 30, 2023
“Floridians are facing a once-in-a-lifetime devastation & destruction from Idalia. This isn’t a ‘hypothetical.’ It’s Florida families’ livelihoods, and my Federal Disaster Responsibility Act makes sure the federal government shows up. Stop playing politics. Floridians can’t wait,” stated Sen. Scott.
The former governor stated that when the Senate reconvenes next week, he will bring up his piece of legislation for an immediate vote.
