Washington (February 10, 2026) – Senator John Kennedy (R-La.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today joined all other members of Louisiana’s congressional delegation in supporting Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry’s request for a major disaster declaration following a damaging winter storm that swept through their state.
In a letter to President Donald Trump and acting FEMA Regional Director Arsany Thomas, Landry requested public assistance for Bienville, De Soto, East Carroll, Franklin, Morehouse, Ouachita, Richland, Tensas, and West Carroll Parishes, citing ice accumulations, power and water outages, debris, and nine deaths resulting from the severe weather.
Landry noted $11,394,461 in costs already incurred by state agencies in response to the winter storm, meeting the threshold for such a disaster declaration.
“Due to the devastating impacts in these parishes, which includes widespread ice accumulations and debris, I am requesting snow assistance and an increased federal cost share of 100% for 30 days. I am also requesting Hazard Mitigation Assistance for the listed parishes to fund projects that will increase their resilience from future winter weather threats,” wrote Landry.
Kennedy joined Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Speaker of the House of Representatives Mike Johnson (R-La.), House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.), and Reps. Clay Higgins (R-La.), Julia Letlow (R-La.), Cleo Fields (D-La.), and Troy Carter (D-La.) in authoring an additional letter to President Trump in support of Landry’s request.
“At its peak, the storm left over 175,000 residential customers without power. The ice shut down Interstate 20 and numerous state highways for several days. Widespread power outages and damage to water systems resulted in 32,487 customers completely without water. Up to 187,359 residents were placed under Boil Water Advisories,” the lawmakers explained.
“We thank you for your swift emergency declaration for Louisiana issued on January 24 and eagerly await your response. We look forward to working with you to help the residents of these impacted communities during their time of need,” they wrote.
View Landry’s request to President Trump here.
View the Louisiana congressional delegation’s letter here.
