Sen. Rubio Surveys Hurricane Michael Damage in Florida Panhandle

PENSACOLA, Florida, Oct. 12 -- The office of Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Florida, issued the following news release:

This week, U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) surveyed the damage caused by Hurricane Michael across the Florida Panhandle. During his visit, Rubio visited the Bay County Emergency Operations Center. While there, Rubio met with the Mexico Beach Chief of Police Anthony Kelly and was briefed on the damage caused by Hurricane Michael. He also met with members of the United States Coast Guard and expressed his gratitude for their on-the-ground efforts and service to the community.

Timeline of Rubio Actions Related to Hurricane Michael:

* On October 12, 2018, Senators Rubio and Nelson with Rep. Neal Dunn urged Secretary Wilson and General Goldfein to expedite repair and restoration operations at Tyndall Air Force Base, which was critically impacted during Hurricane Michael.

* On October 11,2018, Senators Rubio and Nelson urged Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA) Robert Wilkie to authorize increased outreach efforts and benefits assistance for Florida veterans impacted by Hurricane Michael.

* On October 11, 2018, FEMA Administrator Brock Long briefed Rubio on damage caused by Hurricane Michael.

* On October 10, 2018, ahead of Hurricane Michael's landfall, Rubio urged Attorney General Sessions, Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar, and Internal Revenue Service Commissioner Charles Rettig to assist communities affected by the storm.

* On October 10, 2018, following Hurricane Michael's landfall, Rubio, Nelson and Florida Representatives urged President Donald Trump to approve Florida's request for a major disaster declaration. Today, the President approved the State of Florida's major disaster declaration.

* On October 9, 2018, Rubio joined Senator Nelson and Florida Representatives in urging President Trump to approve Florida Governor Rick Scott's request for a pre-landfall emergency declaration ahead of Hurricane Michael.