Following devastating storms in Arkansas last month, which tragically resulted in three deaths, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders and the state’s entire Republican congressional delegation are publicly urging President Donald Trump to reconsider the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) denial of federal disaster relief. The request for aid, submitted under a major disaster declaration, was rejected despite the significant damage caused to homes, businesses, and infrastructure across the state.
The lawmakers’ appeal, detailed in an April 21st letter to President Trump, highlights the catastrophic damage and emphasizes the critical need for federal assistance to support state and local recovery efforts. They underscore the widespread destruction, debris removal challenges, and the human toll of the storms, arguing that the sheer magnitude of the devastation warrants federal intervention.
This instance marks a notable development, as it’s the first time Republican officials have openly challenged a FEMA denial of disaster relief. This contrasts with previous instances where Democratic governors in Washington and North Carolina faced similar denials from FEMA, following a bomb cyclone and Hurricane Helene respectively. In Washington, Governor Bob Ferguson expressed his frustration with the federal government’s withholding of crucial funds, highlighting the prolonged recovery delays faced by affected communities. Similarly, North Carolina’s Governor Josh Stein saw his request to extend 100% federal funding for debris removal denied.
The situation in Arkansas takes on added significance given Governor Sanders’ past role as White House press secretary under President Trump. The timing of this public pushback, coupled with President Trump’s past criticism of FEMA and suggestions for states to handle disaster relief independently, adds intrigue to the situation. In January, President Trump even issued an executive order establishing a review council to assess FEMA’s operations and propose improvements.
ABC News has reached out to FEMA for clarification on the reasons behind the denial of Arkansas’ request. The ongoing situation highlights the complexities and political sensitivities surrounding disaster relief funding and the crucial role of federal agencies in supporting states during times of crisis. The outcome of this appeal will undoubtedly be closely watched, setting a precedent for future disaster relief decisions and the relationship between state and federal governments in such situations.
