Representatives Kat Cammack and Jared Moskowitz led a bipartisan effort requesting enhanced federal assistance for debris removal following Hurricane Debby’s landfall in Florida’s Big Bend region.

Representatives Kat Cammack and Jared Moskowitz led a bipartisan effort on Monday to request enhanced federal assistance following the landfall of Hurricane Debby over Florida’s Big Bend region.

In a letter to the President, the lawmakers asked Joe Biden to activate Public Assistance Category A, which covers debris removal, in addition to the already approved Category B for emergency protective measures. The letter, signed by a broad coalition of Florida’s congressional delegation, highlights the damage caused by Hurricane Debby, including high winds, heavy rainfall, and significant flooding. The representatives emphasized that swift debris removal is essential for public safety and recovery.

“Hurricane Debby continues to bring severe weather conditions, including high winds, heavy rainfall, and flooding, posing a significant threat to public safety and infrastructure,” the letter reads. “By granting approval for Category A Public Assistance, we can efficiently mobilize resources, coordinate debris removal efforts, and mitigate the risks associated with post-storm debris.”

The representatives stated that activating Category A would allow local and state agencies to quickly mobilize resources, coordinate debris removal efforts, and streamline the deployment of personnel and equipment. The Congressional pair also argued that prompt approval would significantly shorten the recovery time and help restore normalcy.

“Given the current impacts and continued severity of Hurricane Debby, your prompt approval of State of Florida’s request is essential and will assist our communities by reducing the recovery time post-storm,” they said.

The representatives concluded their letter by requesting an expedited review and response from Biden and urged the administration to quickly process any additional requests for assistance that Florida might submit following Hurricane Debby.

Among the signatories are Sen. Marco Rubio, Rep. Neal Dunn, Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, Rep. Vern Buchanan, Rep. Michael Waltz, Rep. Gus Bilirakis, Rep. Bill Posey, Rep. Daniel Webster, Rep. Greg Steube, Rep. Cory Mills, Rep. Carlos Gimenez, Rep. Aaron Bean, Rep. Brian Mast, Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, Rep. Scott Franklin, Rep. John Rutherford, Rep. Matt Gaetz, Rep. Darren Soto, Rep. Maxwell Frost, Rep. Kathy Castor, Rep. Sheila Cherfilus McCormick, Rep. Lois Frankel, Rep. Frederica Wilson, and Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz.

Hurricane Debby made landfall near Steinhatchee, Florida, in the Big Bend region on the morning of August 5 as a Category 1 storm with maximum sustained winds of 80 mph. The hurricane brought heavy rainfall, high winds, and significant flooding, posing a threat to public safety and infrastructure. Shortly after landfall, Debby was downgraded to a tropical storm but continued to affect the southeastern U.S. with severe weather conditions, including life-threatening storm surges and extensive power outages​