More Than 1,000 Oklahomans Have Sought Assistance as FEMA Beefs Up in Oklahoma
By Wednesday morning, the Federal Emergency Management Agency had mobilized 400 people to Oklahoma to coordinate relief efforts in the areas devastated by tornadoes.
President Barack Obama receive updates from his team overnight, according to a White House official. The president spoke with Sen. Jim Inhofe, R-Tulsa, on Tuesday night “to make clear that FEMA stood ready to continue to support the people of Oklahoma through the immediate response phase as well as the recovery, and to let the Senator know that Oklahomans remained in his thoughts and prayers.”
Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano is scheduled to travel to the affected area on Wednesday to meet with local officials and see ongoing response efforts first hand, the White House official said.…
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Oklahomans in Washington Organize Fundraiser for Tornado Victims
Oklahomans in Washington, DC have scheduled a fundraiser for victims of the Oklahoma tornadoes. Participating are the Oklahoma State Society, The University of Oklahoma Capital Area Alumni Club, The University of Tulsa DC Alumni Club, and The Oklahoma State University DC Alumni Club.
The event is set for 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on May 23 at Union Pub, 201 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20002.
Suggested contribution at the door is $20.…
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FEMA Assistance Includes Rental Aid, Unemployment Payments
Following is a summary of key federal disaster aid programs that can be made available as needed and warranted under President Obama’s major disaster declaration issued for Oklahoma.
Assistance for Affected Individuals and Families Can Include as Required:
Rental payments for temporary housing for those whose homes are unlivable. Initial assistance may be provided for up to three months for homeowners and at least one month for renters. Assistance may be extended if requested after the initial period based on a review of individual applicant requirements.…
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Connecticut Congressman: Approve Tornado Aid Before Memorial Day Break
Rep. John Larson, D-CT, gave a speech on the House floor Tuesday morning calling on Congress to approve aid for Oklahoma tornado victims before lawmakers leave for a week-long Memorial Day break.
“As a member from Connecticut, a state that recently endured the destruction of a hurricane, the tragedy of the slaughter of innocents in Newtown and, most recently, a train wreck this past weekend, we know that tragedy and natural disaster can befall any part of the country at any time,” Larson said.…
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House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi Remarks on Tornado Destruction
U.S. House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi, of California, delivered emotional remarks on the House floor Tuesday morning about the tornado destruction in Oklahoma and released this statement:
“Our thoughts and prayers rest with the people of Oklahoma today, with the families and loved ones of those killed in this natural disaster, with the men and women injured in the tornado and now beginning the path to recovery.
“This week’s storm left a town destroyed, homes decimated, lives changed and altered forever.…
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U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe Comments on Oklahoma Disaster
“May the Lord be with those who lost family members and friends during the tragic tornadoes that destroyed and took many lives in Oklahoma over the past two days,” Sen. Jim Inhofe, R-Tulsa, said Tuesday.
“Oklahomans will persevere as we have done in the face of tragedy and loss in the past, but we will never forget the young school children and the countless others who lost their lives in these horrific storms. Kay and I will continue to pray for everyone in Oklahoma and throughout the Midwest who are suffering.…
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Video: Oklahoma Republicans, House GOP Leaders Talk About Tornado
Here is video from the U.S. House Republican leadership news conference on the tragic storms in Oklahoma. Reps. James Lankford, R-Oklahoma City, and Frank Lucas, R-Cheyenne, are the first speakers.
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Rep. Frank Lucas: Challenges Will Continue for Weeks
U.S. Rep. Frank Lucas, R-Cheyenne, made the following remarks this morning at a press conference with House Republican leaders:
“The magnitude of the challenges that our fellow Oklahomans face back home will continue for several days and several weeks _ not just the hope of the next few hours and days perhaps of finding someone underneath those rubble piles alive, but the process of recovering those who did not make it, the challenges the communities will face in rebuilding, that families will go through as they begin to lay their loved ones to rest who’ve been lost.…
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Sen. Tom Coburn: All Available Aid Without Delay for Oklahomans
Sen. Tom Coburn, R-Muskogee, released the following statement Tuesday about Oklahoma tornadoes:
“Oklahomans have always inspired the nation with their courage, compassion and resilience in the face of unspeakable tragedy and loss. That has already been the case in the few hours since these terrible tornadoes destroyed major parts of our communities, and will be the case as neighbors care for those who have lost everything, including children and family members.
“I spoke with Department of Homeland Secretary Janet Napolitano last night about FEMA’s response.…
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President Obama’s Remarks on Oklahoma Tornado
President Barack Obama spoke this morning in the State Dining Room at the White House about the tornadoes that hit Oklahoma on Monday. He was accompanied by Vice President Joe Biden, Janet Napolitano, Secretary of Homeland Security, and Richard Serino, the FEMA deputy administrator.
Here is a transcript of his remarks:
THE PRESIDENT: Good morning, everybody. As we all know by now, a series of storms swept across the Plains yesterday, and one of the most destructive tornadoes in history sliced through the towns of Newcastle and Moore, Oklahoma.…
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