Cassidy, Louisiana Delegation Urge Biden to Approve Major Disaster Declaration in Response to Hurricane Francine

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) and John Kennedy (R-LA), U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA-04), 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) urged President Joe Biden to approve Louisiana's request for an expedited major disaster declaration in response to Hurricane Francine.

"We write in support of Governor Jeff Landry's request for an expedited major disaster declaration in response to Hurricane Francine, which made landfall in Louisiana on September 11, 2024," wrote the Louisiana delegation. "As you know, Hurricane Francine formed as a Tropical Storm in the Gulf of Mexico on September 9, 2024, before intensifying and making landfall as a Category 2 hurricane. The storm brought heavy rainfall, a life-threatening storm surge, and sustained winds of 100 mph."

"Specifically, Governor Landry has requested Individual and Public Assistance for the following parishes: Ascension, Assumption, East Baton Rouge, Iberia, Iberville, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lafourche, Livingston, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. Helena, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Martin, St. Mary, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Terrebonne, Washington, and West Baton Rouge. Additionally, Governor Landry has requested statewide assistance for Hazard Mitigation, and a 100% federal cost share for Categories A and B for 30 days," continued the Louisiana delegation.

Prior to Hurricane Francine's landfall, the delegation urged President Joe Biden to approve Louisiana's request for a federal emergency declaration.

Read the full letter here or below:

President Biden,

We write in support of Governor Jeff Landry's request for an expedited major disaster declaration in response to Hurricane Francine, which made landfall in Louisiana on September 11, 2024.

As you know, Hurricane Francine formed as a Tropical Storm in the Gulf of Mexico on September 9, 2024, before intensifying and making landfall as a Category 2 hurricane. The storm brought heavy rainfall, a life-threatening storm surge, and sustained winds of 100 mph. Hurricane Francine continued north, bringing heavy winds and rain to communities across the state. It has caused widespread damage that necessitates assistance from the federal government.

Specifically, Governor Landry has requested Individual and Public Assistance for the following parishes: Ascension, Assumption, East Baton Rouge, Iberia, Iberville, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lafourche, Livingston, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. Helena, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Martin, St. Mary, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Terrebonne, Washington, and West Baton Rouge. Additionally, Governor Landry has requested statewide assistance for Hazard Mitigation, and a 100% federal cost share for Categories A and B for 30 days.

We ask for your swift consideration and approval of an expedited major disaster declaration for the State of Louisiana. These resources are necessary as we begin the recovery process.

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