Yarmuth Pens Relief Request in Ike's Aftermath
After a powerful windstorm reeked havoc throughout Kentucky on Sunday - leaving hundreds of thousands without power - U.S. Rep. John Yarmuth (D-Louisville) sent a letter off to U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Cali.) asking for disaster assistance funding for the 3rd Congressional District to be added to an overall disaster relief package soon to be considered in the House.
"I ask that the House work as quickly as possible to provide the resources necessary for a swift and full recovery," writes Yarmuth. "This funding will assist communities in cleaning up wreckage and debris, repairing damaged infrastructure, and providing housing options for families whose homes were destroyed."
Many in Louisville are still without power as damage from the remnants of Hurrican Ike is cleaned up.
Yarmuth himself was impacted in the aftermath of Ike as his campaign headquarters was burglarized over Sunday night as power remained out in the area.
Here is the entirety of Yarmuth's letter:
Dear Madam Speaker,
On behalf of the Third Congressional District of Kentucky, I am writing to request funding for disaster assistance for those impacted by the storms that recently devastated our region.
As you know, the remnants of Hurricane Ike struck Kentucky on Sunday, peaking in Louisville with winds of 75 miles per hour. The resulting wreckage has closed schools and roads, caused significant damage to homes and businesses, and left more than 280,000 households without electricity. The full scope of the damage is not yet known, and even with full commitment of the city and state's resources, it will be weeks before many Louisville families regain power or businesses reopen.
I ask that the House work as quickly as possible to provide the resources necessary for a swift and full recovery. This funding will assist communities in cleaning up wreckage and debris, repairing damaged infrastructure, and providing housing options for families whose homes were destroyed.
I understand the House has an ambitious legislative schedule for the closing weeks of the session. I ask that you place a high priority on Louisville's recovery and expedite the legislative process so that families, localities, and small businesses can take advantage of assistance to rebuild our community as soon as possible.
I appreciate your immediate attention to this urgent situation. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns.
Sincerely, John Yarmuth
9/15/2008
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