Tulsa Standard

Representative Kevin Hern and the Oklahoma Delegation, including Senators James Lankford and Markwayne Mullin, have formally requested disaster relief funding from President Joe Biden after a weekend of severe weather across the state. The delegation, also comprising Representatives Frank Lucas, Tom Cole, Stephanie Bice, and Josh Brecheen, has been actively monitoring the storm cleanup efforts and advocating for the necessary assistance.

In a letter to President Biden, the delegation expressed their support for the State of Oklahoma's request for a major disaster declaration. They detailed the extensive impact of the weather events, stating, "Severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds, hail, and flooding began impacting the State of Oklahoma on the evening of Saturday, April 27 and continued to cause damage to public and private properties within the State."

The delegation emphasized the urgent need for federal assistance, noting that the severity of the situation surpasses the capabilities of state and local governments. They urged President Biden to approve the Governor's request for assistance in the affected counties and offered their support in ensuring a prompt evaluation of the request.

President Biden has granted the Major Disaster Declaration, which will facilitate the allocation of federal resources to aid in the recovery efforts and help the affected communities bounce back swiftly.

The Oklahoma Delegation's united appeal for immediate disaster relief underscores the critical need to address the aftermath of the devastating weather events that have impacted multiple counties and tribal nations in the state.