Today, U.S. Representative Harold "Hal" Rogers (KY-05) joined his fellow Kentucky Congressmen in signing a letter to President Obama urging him to approve Gov. Steve Beshear's request for a major distaster declaration as a result of the severe storms beginning on April 20, 2011 in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. The text of the letter reads:

Dear Mr. President:

We write to respectfully ask for your approval of Governor Steve Beshear's request to declare a major disaster for the Commonwealth of Kentucky as a result of severe storms, flooding, strong winds, and tornadoes beginning on April 20, 2011 and continuing to the present day. We also support his request that this major disaster declaration be cost shared 100% for public assistance categories A-G during this event.

These storms have caused tremendous damage in the Commonwealth of Kentucky, prompting 48 counties and 17 cities to request assistance to date. The scale of this disaster has overwhelmed local responders, and compromised their ability to provide vital services for citizens in affected areas. This is the ninth major disaster in Kentucky in three years.

On behalf of our constituents, thank you for your prompt attention to the federal assistance request from Governor Beshear.

Sincerely,

Harold Rogers
Member of Congress

Ed Whitfield
Member of Congress

Ben Chandler
Member of Congress

Geoff Davis
Member of Congress

John Yarmuth
Member of Congress

Brett Guthrie
Member of Congress