WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Barbara A. Mikulski (both D-Md.) were joined by members of Maryland’s Congressional Delegation today in sending a letter to President Obama in support of Governor Hogan’s appeal of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) decision to deny a major disaster declaration for the City of Baltimore following recent unrest after the tragic death of Freddie Gray. If awarded, Maryland will become eligible for federal disaster recovery dollars through FEMA, ensuring the state’s already strained budget is not stretched any thinner. The letter was signed by Senators Mikulski and Cardin, as well as U.S. Representatives Steny H. Hoyer (D-Md.), Elijah E. Cummings (D-Md.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-Md.), John P. Sarbanes (D-Md.), Donna F. Edwards (D-Md.) and John Delaney (D-Md.).
“We thank you and your Administration for prioritizing the recovery of the City of Baltimore following the tragic death of Freddie Gray in police custody, which led to civil unrest, fires and vandalism,” the Members wrote. “Governor Hogan’s letters of appeal demonstrate the severity and magnitude of this incident. The facts speak for themselves. The resources of the City of Baltimore and the State of Maryland were overwhelmed beyond their normal capabilities. Both governments had to contribute a vast amount of resources in a very short period of time in order to protect the safety, health and welfare of its citizens. These resources were not budgeted by either government.”
The full text of the delegation’s letter of support is as follows:
July 10, 2015
The President
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20500
Dear Mr. President:
We strongly support Governor Larry Hogan’s appeal to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) denial on June 12, 2015 of the City of Baltimore’s major disaster declaration. We respectfully request that you move swiftly to overturn the decision and approve the State of Maryland’s request for federal assistance.
We thank you and your Administration for prioritizing the recovery of the City of Baltimore following the tragic death of Freddie Gray in police custody, which led to civil unrest, fires and vandalism.
Governor Hogan’s letters of appeal demonstrate the severity and magnitude of this incident. The facts speak for themselves. The resources of the City of Baltimore and the State of Maryland were overwhelmed beyond their normal capabilities. Both governments had to contribute a vast amount of resources in a very short period of time in order to protect the safety, health and welfare of its citizens. These resources were not budgeted by either government.
Thank you for your thoughtful consideration of our request. We look forward to continuing to work with you and your Administration on our long-term recovery efforts in the City of Baltimore.
Sincerely,
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