From the inbox:
Rep. Barletta committed to bring full force of federal government to flood cleanup
HAZLETON – U.S. Rep. Lou Barletta, PA-11, released the following statement:
“Today was an unforgettable day for me. I spent the day touring Luzerne and Columbia counties, and I saw firsthand the devastation and destruction caused by historic flooding. I want the people most affected by this natural disaster to rest assured that I am fully committed to bringing the full force of the federal government to the 11th Congressional District so the people, businesses, and municipalities here can recover – and recover quickly – from this epic event.
“I have instructed my staff to work closely with local, county, and state officials to provide the most responsive service to my constituents who have been so dramatically affected. Flood victims can call my office toll-free at (855) 241-5144, and my staff will return their calls as quickly as possible.
“This historic flood shattered records and lives. Some people lost all that they have. Some lost their lives. From Duryea to Pittston to West Pittston, to Jenkins Township to Wilkes-Barre to Plymouth, to Shickshinny to Espy to Bloomsburg, and to other places along creeks, streams, and ponds, I saw the effects of record flooding and I heard the stories my neighbors had to tell. But I also heard about friends helping friends, and strangers helping strangers. I saw emergency responders at their finest. I saw volunteers give of their time to help others. I saw the very best of humanity in Northeastern Pennsylvania.
“There is much work to be done to clean up from this unprecedented disaster, but I know the people of Northeastern Pennsylvania will be up to the challenge.”
President Obama Signs Pennsylvania Emergency Declaration
The President today declared an emergency exists in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and ordered federal aid to supplement commonwealth and local response efforts due to the emergency conditions resulting from the Remnants of Tropical Storm Lee beginning on September 3, 2011, and continuing.
The President's action authorizes the Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to coordinate all disaster relief efforts which have the purpose of alleviating the hardship and suffering caused by the emergency on the local population, and to provide appropriate assistance for required emergency measures, authorized under Title V of the Stafford Act, to save lives and to protect property and public health and safety, and to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe in the counties of Adams, Bedford, Berks, Blair, Bradford, Bucks, Cambria, Carbon, Centre, Chester, Clinton, Columbia, Cumberland, Dauphin, Delaware, Franklin, Fulton, Huntingdon, Juniata, Lackawanna, Lancaster, Lebanon, Lehigh, Luzerne, Lycoming, Mifflin, Monroe, Montgomery, Montour, Northampton, Northumberland, Perry, Philadelphia, Schuylkill, Snyder, Somerset, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Tioga, Union, Wyoming, and York.
Specifically, FEMA is authorized to identify, mobilize, and provide at its discretion, equipment and resources necessary to alleviate the impacts of the emergency. Emergency protective measures, including direct federal assistance, will be provided at 75 percent federal funding.
Well, at least our Congressman can use his decades of experience and powerful committee positions to do some deal-making and arm-twisting to...oh, CRAP, we got rid of that guy. This is a Freshman who came in on a promise of austerity.
ReplyDeleteWell, then we can turn to our Senator, whose long tenure in the Sen...WHAT? We dumped him, too? In the Primaries? I voted against him? Damn.
Let me remind voters that Lou Barletta made the statement on the Sue henry show that the president is not giving earmarks and they the Republicans are nt going to ask for help with the flood. Just what we need, a Congressman who won't ask for help.
ReplyDeleteBefore I politicize this my sympathies go out to those whose homes, businesses, and families were affected by the floodwaters. I am a Wilkes Barre resident and held my breath for three days but was one of the lucky ones.
ReplyDeleteBarlette is now touting the federal government and the help he's trying to get. This from the hypocrite of a Congressman who voted to slash funding for the EPA one day then turn around and ask why the EPA wasn't taking the spill in Pittston more seriously. The fact of the matter is that government is looked upon for help often in times of need and after disaster. Lou's majority leader only wants to pay for aid if it can be cut from other areas....so what's it gonna be Lou? Are you going to be a good Republican soldier like you've been or are you going to stick up for your constituents? My guess is you'll talk like you're stickng up for your constituents but march in lock step with what your leadership wants. Thank god elections are held every two years.
Welcome back PJ!
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