Cassidy Urges President Biden to Approve Emergency Declaration for Soon To Be Hurricane Francine

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) urged President Joe Biden to grant a federal emergency declaration for Louisiana ahead of soon-to-be Hurricane Francine's anticipated landfall as a Category 1 or 2 hurricane.

"I write in support of a federal emergency declaration request for Louisiana as it begins preparations for soon-to-be Hurricane Francine. In anticipation of Hurricane Francine making landfall as a Category 1 or 2 hurricane, I anticipate Louisiana will soon be requesting emergency protective measures (Category B) and Direct Federal Assistance under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. Unfortunately, the current projected path of Hurricane Francine shows a landfall in areas of Louisiana still recovering from Hurricanes Laura, Delta, and Ida," wrote Dr. Cassidy.

"The National Weather Service anticipates Hurricane Francine will bring storm surges, four to eight inches of rainfall, and high winds to south Louisiana which is currently saturated as a result of storms over the last week. Due to the expected magnitude of Hurricane Francine, I fear that the state and local governments will be unable to fully respond without federal assistance," continued Dr. Cassidy.

Read the full letter here or below:

Dear Mr. President:

I write in support of a federal emergency declaration request for Louisiana as it begins preparations for soon-to-be Hurricane Francine. In anticipation of Hurricane Francine making landfall as a Category 1 or 2 hurricane, I anticipate Louisiana will soon be requesting emergency protective measures (Category B) and Direct Federal Assistance under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. Unfortunately, the current projected path of Hurricane Francine shows a landfall in areas of Louisiana still recovering from Hurricanes Laura, Delta, and Ida.

The National Weather Service anticipates Hurricane Francine will bring storm surges, four to eight inches of rainfall, and high winds to south Louisiana which is currently saturated as a result of storms over the last week. Due to the expected magnitude of Hurricane Francine, I fear that the state and local governments will be unable to fully respond without federal assistance.

I urge you to consider this request in an expeditious manner to approve the emergency disaster declaration and coordinate federal assistance throughout this severe weather event. Thank you for your consideration of this request.

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