Delegation Applauds Trump Administration’s Decision to Grant Oglala Sioux Tribe’s Disaster Assistance Request Following March Storms

WASHINGTON, June 21 -- Sen. John Thune, R-South Dakota, issued the following news release:

U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) today applauded the Trump administration for approving Oglala Sioux Tribe President Julian Bear Runner's request for a major disaster declaration for the Pine Ridge Reservation following severe winter storms and flooding that occurred March 13 through March 26, 2019.

"I'm grateful that the administration listened to our request and acted quickly," said Thune. "The efforts of tribal leadership during this event have been very commendable. However, the extra funding the disaster declaration will provide to supplement clean up on top of all that has been lost during the storm is necessary to help this community."

"I thank President Trump for recognizing the need to provide disaster assistance to the Oglala Sioux Tribe, who were impacted by late winter storms," said Rounds. "Now, the Tribe will be able to rebuild critical infrastructure, homes and businesses that were severely damaged."

"I'm very pleased that the administration granted the Oglala Sioux Tribe's request for a major disaster declaration. Tribal leadership should be commended for outlining a clear description of the devastation that hit the Pine Ridge Reservation,"said Johnson. "This is a good first step to get the Oglala Sioux Tribe the resources they so desperately need."

On June 12, 2019, the delegation sent (https://www.thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=B212EB43-7AF3-487F-BA0B-75F13DC4A298) a letter to President Trump urging him to approve the disaster declaration as soon as possible.