WASHINGTON, D.C. — In the aftermath of Hurricane Francine, U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) and John Kennedy (R-LA), alongside U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA-04) and other members of Louisiana’s congressional delegation, have called on President Joe Biden to approve an expedited major disaster declaration for the state. The request follows the significant impact of Hurricane Francine, which made landfall in Louisiana on September 11, 2024, as a Category 2 hurricane.
The Louisiana delegation, which also includes 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), emphasized the urgency of federal assistance in a letter to President Biden. They highlighted the extensive damage caused by the hurricane, including heavy rainfall, life-threatening storm surges, and sustained winds of 100 mph.
“We write in support of Governor Jeff Landry’s request for an expedited major disaster declaration in response to Hurricane Francine,” the delegation stated. “The storm has caused widespread damage that necessitates assistance from the federal government.”
Governor Landry has requested Individual and Public Assistance for 23 parishes across Louisiana, including Orleans, Jefferson, East Baton Rouge, and Lafayette. Additionally, he seeks statewide assistance for Hazard Mitigation and a 100% federal cost share for Categories A and B for 30 days.
The delegation’s plea follows their earlier request for a federal emergency declaration ahead of the hurricane’s landfall. The requested disaster declaration would provide essential resources and support to help the state begin its recovery process.
“We ask for your swift consideration and approval of an expedited major disaster declaration for the State of Louisiana,” the letter concluded. “These resources are necessary as we begin the recovery process.”
The full text of the delegation’s letter is available here.
Hurricane Francine’s impact on Louisiana underscores the critical need for federal assistance as the state works to rebuild and recover from this devastating natural disaster.