Arkansas congressional delegation asks Trump to reconsider denial of federal aid over tornado damage

Arkansas' congressional delegation this week sent a letter to President Donald Trump, requesting that he reconsider the state's request for federal assistance related to a series of deadly tornadoes and severe storms that hit it last month. 

Arkansas GOP Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders sent a letter asking for federal assistance last week after the storms devastated seven states in the south, killing at least 40 people in total. Three people were killed in Arkansas. Sanders initially asked for aid in the aftermath of the storms, but the Federal Emergency Management Agency rejected the request, per The Hill.

The members of Congress and senators asked Trump to reconsider the rejection, emphasizing the impact it had on the state's community. 

“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 lawmakers wrote. “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 delegation said initial estimates place the cost of damage from the storms at $8.8 million, but urged the president to also grant a 30-day extension so additional information on the total costs can be gathered.

“The entire Arkansas delegation is eager to assist in any way possible to ensure the expedited evaluation of these requests,” the group concluded.

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.