Rep. Kuster: NH Congressional Delegation Calls on the President to Swiftly Approve Governor Sununu's Disaster Declaration Request

WASHINGTON, April 1 -- Rep. Ann Kuster, D-New Hampshire, issued the following news release:

U.S. Senators Maggie Hassan and Jeanne Shaheen and U.S. Representatives Annie Kuster and Chris Pappas called on President Donald Trump to swiftly approve Governor Chris Sununu's request for a Major Disaster Declaration for New Hampshire in response to COVID-19.

The CARES Act, which Congress passed and the president signed last week, includes an additional $45 billion for the Disaster Relief Fund. If the president approves New Hampshire's request for a disaster declaration, the state will be eligible for reimbursements from the Disaster Relief Fund for expenses related to COVID-19. In addition, the Congressional Delegation is supporting the state's request for additional direct financial assistance to individuals and families as they face the health and economic impacts of COVID-19.

"As the nation faces the historic challenge of COVID-19, it is critical that communities across the United States receive the full and complete backing of the federal government," wrote the New Hampshire Congressional Delegation. "Health care workers, first responders, government officials, and other essential staff across the state continue to assist New Hampshire communities as we all work to respond to this pandemic. Many in our state are aiding the effort by self-isolating in their homes to deprive the virus of opportunities for possible transmission. Considered in total, these actions are heroic, purposeful, and necessary. However, the magnitude of this pandemic's impact is such that an effective response is beyond the capacity of state and local governments, justifying federal assistance."

The New Hampshire Congressional Delegation has fought for and supported three major bipartisan response bills to provide $2 trillion in public health and economic support to individuals, small businesses, hospitals, and states; provide financial relief to states in their coronavirus response efforts; and to support workers, businesses and families impacted by the spread of the disease. The president signed these three bills into law. The third economic package includes at least $1.4 billion in assistance to the state of New Hampshire.

March 31, 2020

Dear President Trump:

We write in support of New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu's request for a Major Disaster Declaration for the State of New Hampshire in response to the Coronavirus Pandemic of 2019 (COVID-19). The Governor's request includes the statewide activation of Public Assistance: Emergency Protective Measures (Category B), all Individual Assistance programs, and Hazard Mitigation. As the nation faces the historic challenge of COVID-19, it is critical that communities across the United States receive the full and complete backing of the federal government.

Health care workers, first responders, government officials, and other essential staff across the state continue to assist New Hampshire communities as we all work to respond to this pandemic. Many in our state are aiding the effort by self-isolating in their homes to deprive the virus of opportunities for possible transmission. Considered in total, these actions are heroic, purposeful, and necessary. However, the magnitude of this pandemic's impact is such that an effective response is beyond the capacity of state and local governments, justifying federal assistance. We urge you to support the state and its residents by leveraging your authorities under the Robert T. Stafford Act.

By approving the Governor's request for a Major Disaster Declaration, you will provide critical federal assistance to support local governments that are investing heavily to keep their residents safe. In addition, your activation of the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA's) Individual Assistance programs will assist individuals and households experiencing a historic reduction in economic activity. As you are aware, Congress provided an additional $45 billion for the Disaster Relief Fund in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act to ensure that FEMA has the funding it needs to provide this critical assistance.

We thank you for your consideration of this request.