READING, PA – Yesterday, Representative Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) wrote to President Joe Biden urging him to approve Governor Shapiro’s major disaster declaration request.

In part, Houlahan’s letter to President Biden reads: “Last month, on July 9, a major storm struck communities in my district, resulting in evacuations, dangerous rescues, and extensive property damage. The impact of this storm will be felt by residents of Berks County for some time. Because of this, I am asking you to swiftly consider and approve the major disaster declaration request from Governor Shapiro. Your action will direct federal support to our communities who desperately need it.”

Houlahan also expressed her appreciation for Governor Shapiro’s advocacy.

“Governor Shapiro came to our community and saw firsthand the destruction this storm caused,” said Houlahan. “In addition to the many homes and businesses impacted, we share concerns about multiple schools being able to open their doors this fall. I strongly support his major disaster declaration request.”

Read the full text of the letter here and below.

August 3, 2023

The Honorable Joseph R. Biden Jr.

President of the United States

The White House

1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW

Washington, DC 20500

Re: Stafford Act Major Disaster Declaration for Major Storm Impacts in Pennsylvania

Dear President Biden,

Last month, on July 9, a major storm struck communities in my district, resulting in evacuations,

dangerous rescues, and extensive property damage. The impact of this storm will be felt by

residents of Berks County for some time. Because of this, I am asking you to swiftly consider

and approve the major disaster declaration request from Governor Shapiro. Your action will

direct federal support to our communities who desperately need it.

In the days since this storm tore across Pennsylvania, federal, state, and local officials have taken

measure of the significant human and physical damage. The storm produced a historic amount of

rain in an unusually short amount of time. It knocked out power for 12,000 customers, caused

over 300 road closures, and temporarily closed many local businesses.

As you know, the Stafford Act authorizes you to approve a request from a governor for federal

support for recovery efforts outlined in law. We believe that Pennsylvania qualifies for and needs

that support. The historic and unprecedented rain and flooding devastated communities in my

district – and I ask that you approve Governor Shapiro’s federal relief request as soon as

possible.

Pennsylvania’s families and communities need to know that the federal government stands with

them now. Thank you for considering this urgent need and request. Please reach out to my

District Director Deputy Chief of Staff, Sue Walker, with any questions. She can be reached in

our Reading office at 610-295-0815 or Sue.Walker@mail.house.gov. I look forward to your

response.

Sincerely,

Chrissy Houlahan

Houlahan is an Air Force veteran, an engineer, a serial entrepreneur, an educator, and a nonprofit leader. She represents Pennsylvania’s 6th Congressional District, which encompasses Chester County and southern Berks County. She serves on the House Armed Services Committee and the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. She is the recipient of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Abraham Lincoln Leadership for America Award which “recognizes members who demonstrate the bipartisan leadership and constructive governing necessary to move our country forward” and the Congressional Management Foundation’s 2022 Democracy Award for best Constituent Services in Congress.