Rep. Vargas Leads Letter to President Biden Urging an Expeditious Approval of California’s Major Disaster Declaration Request
Media Contact: Rep. Vargas | Anzueth Barela | anzueth.barela@mail.house.gov
WASHINGTON, D.C. (February 15th, 2024) – This week, Rep. Juan Vargas (CA-52), led a letter with 27 California Representatives to President Biden urging him to approve the State of California’s Major Disaster Declaration request in response to the severe storm that impacted San Diego County in late-January. The storms caused severe flooding that affected many individuals, businesses, and local farms. A major disaster declaration will allow federal resources to be used to complement state and local efforts.
“I’ve seen firsthand how our communities, neighborhoods, and small farms in the 52nd Congressional District were impacted by the severe flooding. Winter storms are a byproduct of the harmful effects of climate change, and I am committed to continuing to protect the health and safety of everyone in the 52nd Congressional District,” said Rep. Vargas. “We must continue to come together and assist those who were disproportionately affected. I am proud to have led this effort alongside my Colleagues and look forward to getting additional resources to those severely impacted by the storms.”
Rep. Sara Jacobs said, “Weeks after our January storms, San Diegans are still picking up debris, drying out their homes and businesses, and filing insurance claims if they’re lucky enough to cover flooding to recover from the damage. I’ve toured neighborhoods across my district and have seen this devastation up close. Our state and local resources are simply overwhelmed and need help so our communities can recover and rebuild. That’s why I’m proud to join our San Diego congressional delegation in urging President Biden to fulfill Governor Newsom’s request and declare a federal emergency so we can supplement efforts on the ground with federal funding and support.”
“San Diego neighborhoods were literally under water for days; homes, businesses, cars, pets were lost to flood waters and the recovery will be long and hard. There is no question that our County is in need of a disaster declaration to help ease the pain for many.” said Rep. Peters.
“Last month’s devastating storms strained local resources and left thousands of residents in our region with urgent needs,” said Rep. Levin. “I join my colleagues in urging President Biden to issue a Major Disaster Declaration for San Diego County to unlock additional resources we need to recover from this disaster. However, we cannot forget that these storms were intensified by climate change. Congress must continue working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the impacts of a changing climate.”
“California’s House Representatives always stand ready and willing to support communities across the state impacted by storms and ensure they receive every resource possible from the federal government. As Chair of the California Democratic Congressional Delegation, I was proud to help lead my colleagues on this request,” said Rep. Zoe Lofgren.
The representative was joined by 27 members of the California delegation as cosigners of the letter.
Representative vargas represents California's 52nd Congressional District which includes the southern portion of San Diego County, including the cities of San Diego, National City, Chula Vista, and Imperial Beach.
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