releases: http://susanwbrooks.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/indiana-delegation-urges-president-to-support-governor-pence-s-request

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http://susanwbrooks.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/indiana-delegation-urges-president-to-support-governor-pence-s-request Indiana Delegation Urges President to Support Governor Pence’s Request for Federal Assistance for Howard County 2013-12-05 2013 2013-12 Republican House IN Susan Brooks B001284 susanwbrooks.house.gov     legacy WASHINGTON, DC – The Indiana congressional delegation today sent a letter to President Barack Obama expressing strong support for Governor Mike Pence’s request for the administration to provide federal assistance to Howard County following the severe tornadoes that struck Indiana on November 17. In the letter, the members wrote, “After surveying the damage and consulting with state and local government officials, it is clear the recovery is beyond the capabilities and resources of the State of Indiana. The Governor is therefore requesting federal assistance for Howard County. The Governor is also requesting Hazard Mitigation statewide, and may also make additional requests for other counties in the state…We hope careful consideration will be given to Governor Pence’s request, and believe timely federal assistance will significantly assist Indiana’s recovery efforts.” On Wednesday, Governor Pence asked that a Major Disaster Area Declaration be declared for Howard County, which would include grants and low-interest loans for residents and businesses devastated by the storms. Small Business Administration loans also may be available. Governor Pence’s request is for Individual Assistance and indicates that further damage may be identified that could require additional assistance. Click here for a copy of the signed letter. The full text of the letter follows: December 5, 2013 The Honorable Barack Obama President of the United States The White House Washington, D.C. 20500 Dear Mr. President: We are writing to express our strong support for Governor Mike Pence’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration for the State of Indiana following the devastating tornadoes and severe storms that hit Indiana on November 17, 2013. This period of disastrous weather caused extensive damage to public and private property throughout Indiana.  A total of 28 tornadoes touched down in Indiana on November 17, the third highest number of tornadoes in a single day in Indiana.  In the aftermath of these storms, Governor Mike Pence requested a joint federal, state, and local damage assessment of Howard County, including the City of Kokomo, where the greatest Individual Assistance damage occurred.  The Joint Preliminary Damage Assessment verified the damage in Howard County, and noted that the affected area contained 45 percent low income residents.  Furthermore, the State of Indiana and this area have been subject to several other disasters since 2012 that have depleted the State Disaster Relief Fund (SDRF).  In particular, on April 17, 2013, heavy rains caused the citizens of Howard County to experience a record flood on Wildcat Creek, leading the state to request a U.S. Small Business Administration Disaster Loan program and to activate the SDRF.  As a result of this and other disasters, the current SDRF balance is $348,000.  After surveying the damage and consulting with state and local government officials, it is clear the recovery is beyond the capabilities and resources of the State of Indiana.  The Governor is therefore requesting federal assistance for Howard County.  The Governor is also requesting Hazard Mitigation statewide, and may also make additional requests for other counties in the state.  Hoosiers have a proud and resilient history of triumphing over tragedy and persevering past precarious circumstances.  However, the damage from the current disaster demands further federal assistance. Congress plays a critical role in budgeting and appropriating funds for federal disaster relief, and we believe the damage sustained on November 17 is exactly the sort of event that should be considered for federal disaster assistance.  Together, we firmly believe the next step on the long road to recovery is the issuance of a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration.  We hope careful consideration will be given to Governor Pence’s request, and believe timely federal assistance will significantly assist Indiana’s recovery efforts. Thank you for your consideration of this important matter.   Sincerely, Dan Coats                                                                   United States Senator   Joe Donnelly United States Senator                                                   Todd Rokita                                                                Member of Congress   Susan Brooks Member of Congress                                                     Todd Young                                                               Member of Congress                                                     Andre Carson Member of Congress   Jackie Walorski                                                           Member of Congress                                                     Larry Bucshon Member of Congress   Luke Messer                                                                Member of Congress                                                     Marlin Stutzman Member of Congress   Peter Visclosky                                   Member of Congress 1 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z