Stephanie
Diamond Member
- Jul 11, 2004
- 70,230
- 10,864
- 2,040
well?
SNIP:
Republican Gov. Jan Brewer criticizes the Obama administration
(CNN) -- Arizona's top politicians blasted the Obama administration and federal officials over the denial of aid in the wake of the state's deadly wildfire.
The Yarnell Hill blaze killed 19 firefighters, called "hotshots," in late June, when it changed directions and engulfed them.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency denied the state's request for assistance based on insurance rules, it said in a statement Friday. It determined that not enough uninsured private individuals had become victims to warrant a payout.
FEMA said it is not permitted to "duplicate benefits provided by insurance companies or other federal agencies."
The agency also declined to issue a "major disaster declaration" for affected areas.
Solemn 100-mile procession for fallen firefighters
Fiery response
The decision drew criticism from Arizona's two Republican senators, John McCain and Jeff Flake.
"We are disappointed that FEMA denied the governor's disaster declaration request for the Yarnell Hill Fire," they said in a joint statement. "It is a shame that FEMA couldn't find it within their mission to help rebuild their homes and lives."
Republican Gov. Jan Brewer directed her criticism directly at the president.
"I am deeply troubled by the Obama administration's decision to deny much-needed recovery assistance in the wake of Arizona's deadliest wildfire," she said in a statement.
In a phone call after the fire, President Barack Obama had pledged support, she said. She felt that he had now backed down.
all of it here with comments
Federal government says no to aid for Arizona fire - CNN.com
SNIP:
Republican Gov. Jan Brewer criticizes the Obama administration
(CNN) -- Arizona's top politicians blasted the Obama administration and federal officials over the denial of aid in the wake of the state's deadly wildfire.
The Yarnell Hill blaze killed 19 firefighters, called "hotshots," in late June, when it changed directions and engulfed them.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency denied the state's request for assistance based on insurance rules, it said in a statement Friday. It determined that not enough uninsured private individuals had become victims to warrant a payout.
FEMA said it is not permitted to "duplicate benefits provided by insurance companies or other federal agencies."
The agency also declined to issue a "major disaster declaration" for affected areas.
Solemn 100-mile procession for fallen firefighters
Fiery response
The decision drew criticism from Arizona's two Republican senators, John McCain and Jeff Flake.
"We are disappointed that FEMA denied the governor's disaster declaration request for the Yarnell Hill Fire," they said in a joint statement. "It is a shame that FEMA couldn't find it within their mission to help rebuild their homes and lives."
Republican Gov. Jan Brewer directed her criticism directly at the president.
"I am deeply troubled by the Obama administration's decision to deny much-needed recovery assistance in the wake of Arizona's deadliest wildfire," she said in a statement.
In a phone call after the fire, President Barack Obama had pledged support, she said. She felt that he had now backed down.
all of it here with comments
Federal government says no to aid for Arizona fire - CNN.com