McGovern, MA Delegation Urges Trump Administration to Approve Commonwealth's Request for Federal Disaster Declaration

Massachusetts cities and towns, state agencies, and nonprofit organizations are responding to the pandemic as aggressively as possible, but need additional federal assistance

Washington, March 27, 2020

WASHINGTON -- Today, Congressman James P. McGovern (D-MA), Chairman of the House Rules Committee, joined the Massachusetts Congressional Delegation in a letter urging the White House to approve the Commonwealth’s request for a declaration of a federal major disaster due to the state’s outbreak of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in accordance with the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance (Stafford) Act. 

The Commonwealth’s request, which includes critical federal assistance such as disaster unemployment assistance and crisis counseling assistance, was made yesterday by Governor Charlie Baker and follows an emergency stay-at-home order and an executive order closing Massachusetts schools. 

“As the unprecedented economic impact of COVID-19 impacts the entire country, many Massachusetts residents are being forced out of work,” the Massachusetts delegation wrote. “These programs are vital for Massachusetts to adequately respond to the economic and health care impacts of pandemic, particularly as the Commonwealth currently needs additional resources and potentially health care infrastructure to meet the state’s needs.”