Rep. Scott Commends Gov. Kaine in Calling on President Bush to Provide Disaster Relief for Virginia Localities Affected by Tropical Storm Ernesto

September 8, 2006

(Richmond/Newport News, VA)- Congressman Robert C. "Bobby" Scott commends Virginia Governor Tim Kaine for calling upon President Bush today to provide federal disaster relief to the areas devastated by Tropical Storm Ernesto. Rep. Scott has been in constant contact with state and local officials since Ernesto hit Virginia and has been calling upon Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to assist. In order for FEMA to get involved, a request from the Governor was mandatory.

"There are people whose lives have been turned upside down by Tropical Storm Ernesto. They've lost their homes, their businesses and all their belongings," said Rep. Scott. "We need to do everything we can to assist them and help them begin to put their lives back together again."

Rep. Scott spent time in Newport News and Richmond this past Tuesday, viewing the damage and meeting with local residents. He was joined by state and local officials. On Tuesday night, Congressman Scott attended and spoke at the public meeting in Richmond to discuss the damage and how best to assist residents displaced from their homes or otherwise affected.

This coming Monday night, Rep. Scott will hold an informational meeting with officials from the State of Virginia, the City of Newport News and the American Red Cross to assist local residents affected by Tropical Storm Ernesto.

The meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, September 11, 2006, at John Marshall Elementary School located at 743 24^thStreet in Newport News, VA. The public is invited to attend.

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