{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "rows": [["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=353F921C-7CB6-4C95-B464-E504044EF0AF", "Nebraska Delegation Writes President Supporting State Disaster Declaration Request", "2013-11-19", "2013", "2013-11", "Republican", "House", "NE", "Deb Fischer", "F000463", "www.fischer.senate.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON  U.S. Sens. Deb Fischer and Mike Johanns and Reps. Jeff Fortenberry, Lee Terry and Adrian Smith today wrote President Obama supporting Nebraska's request for a federal disaster declaration as a result of storms that hit the state October 2-6, 2013. The weather system produced flooding in central and northeast Nebraska, a tornado outbreak in the southeastern and northeastern portions of the state, as well as an early winter storm that heavily damaged the northern panhandle. The declaration's approval makes federal assistance available to areas affected by the storm.\r\nThe Nebraska Emergency Management Agency estimates the storm system caused millions of dollars in damage to public infrastructure and private sector losses across the state.\r\nA copy of delegation's letter is below:\r\nNovember 15, 2013  President Barack Obama  The White House  1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW  Washington, DC 20500\r\nDear Mr. President:\r\nWe write in support of Nebraska Governor Dave Heineman's request for a major disaster declaration related to severe storms in Adams, Dawes, Dixon, Howard, Sheridan, Sherman, Sioux, Thurston, and Wayne Counties in Nebraska. Roads, bridges, and transportation and public power infrastructure were significantly damaged by these storms that occurred in early October.\r\nThe Nebraska Emergency Management Agency estimates that cost and damage from these storms will exceed $3.3 million. Severe storms with heavy rain caused flooding and road damage in central and northeastern Nebraska. Southeastern and northeastern parts of Nebraska also experienced tornados, which affected homes and businesses, as well as the Wayne Airport in Wayne, Nebraska. Additionally, the northwest corner of the state experienced an ice storm and blizzard that damaged trees, which led to road closures, and the lives of cattle were lost. Local resources were utilized for recovery efforts from these storms.\r\nAs Nebraskans have continued to prove, they are ready and willing to work together to recover from the challenges of natural disasters and the Federal Government can be a partner in that effort. We fully support Governor Heineman's request and appreciate your sincere and prompt consideration.\r\nSincerely,\r\nDeb Fischer  United States Senator\r\nMike Johanns  United States Senator\r\nLee Terry  Member of Congress\r\nAdrian Smith  Member of Congress\r\nJeff Fortenberry  Member of Congress", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "primary_key_values": ["https://www.fischer.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news?ID=353F921C-7CB6-4C95-B464-E504044EF0AF"], "units": {}, "query_ms": 0.7523833774030209, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}