Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem publicly promised on Tuesday to move quickly on Missouri's request for a federal disaster declaration.
Noem was appearing before a subcommittee chaired by U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley.
"You've been a governor..." Hawley said to Noem. "So you know how important this is. Can we get your help to expedite the consideration of that request?"
"We need it as quickly as possible," Hawley said.
Noem replied, "We promise to get that expedited as soon as possible."
Hawley noted that Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe had requested an "emergency disaster declaration to expedite FEMA funds, just to clean up" the extensive damage.
Noem, a former governor of South Dakota, added that she had previously spoken with Kehoe and had promised "to get that expedited as soon as possible."
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On Wednesday, Hawley and fellow GOP U.S. Sen. Eric Schmitt sent a letter to President Donald Trump, urging him to swiftly approve Kehoe’s disaster declaration.
In a statement, Kehoe's office said it "appreciates the work of Missouri's Congressional delegation to advocate for federal assistance for Missourians."
A federal disaster declaration would not only allow for immediate financial aid, but along with preliminary damage assessments will allow the federal process to move forward, Kehoe's office said.
Good news for Missourians who need help after Friday’s terrible storms:
— Josh Hawley (@HawleyMO)
DHS Secretary Noem just pledged to expedite our state's disaster request & the FEMA emergency response in St. Ïã¸ÛÈý¼¶Æ¬
Hawley opened his Homeland Security subcommittee on disaster management on Tuesday morning by telling Noem about his walking tour of north St. Louis on Monday, and described the area as "totally devastated."
Five people were killed and 38 more were injured in the tornadoes and high winds that moved Friday from Clayton through Forest Park and into north St. Ïã¸ÛÈý¼¶Æ¬ neighborhoods.
City officials have said about 5,000 structures were hit and estimated damage at $1.6 billion. As of Monday, about 30,000 Ameren customers were still without power.
Hawley's subcommittee has recently been investigating the performances and practices of insurance companies and the Federal Emergency Management Agency during recent natural disasters across the U.S.
