WASHINGTON, February 22, 2021 — United States Representative Mike Johnson (LA-04) today released the following statement after the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced additional federal assistance for the state of Louisiana’s ongoing Hurricane Laura recovery and debris removal efforts:

“Today’s announcement of further federal assistance for Louisiana’s ongoing Hurricane Laura cleanup efforts is going to be a major benefit for the continued recovery of our parishes. I’m proud of our congressional delegation for helping deliver this additional assistance to the state of Louisiana, and I extend my gratitude to the Trump and Biden Administrations for first declaring a federal disaster and today agreeing to share more of the cost of our cleanup efforts.”

Background:

On August 28, 2020, President Trump granted a Major Disaster Declaration for the State of Louisiana triggering the release of Federal funds to help people and communities recover from Hurricane Laura that occurred August 22, 2020 to August 27, 2020.

This disaster declaration was amended after Congressman Johnson petitioned President Biden for an increased federal cost share for Hurricane Laura recovery. Following Johnson’s letter, President Biden amended the declaration to require the State to pay 10% of the recovery costs instead of the default 25%.