McConnell, Paul Urge President Obama to Support Disaster Declaration

In a joint letter sent to the White House Monday morning, Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell and U.S. Sen. Rand Paul urged President Obama to support a request for a major disaster declaration for Kentucky after a number of deadly tornadoes struck the commonwealth.Last week, an outbreak of storms caused damage to several towns, including West Liberty, Piner and Salyersville, killing 21 residents and injuring hundreds more. On Sunday, Gov. Steve Beshear requested the president provided Kentucky with a federal disaster declaration to help fund the clean up and rebuilding. "Timely and serious consideration of the governor’s disaster declaration request on your part would aid Kentucky communities and families so severely affected by this most recent disaster," the two Senators wrote.The governor has deployed around 400 National Guard troops to assist with security, traffic control and other needs. Beshear has said he is confident the damage exceeds the $5.8 million threshold required for Kentucky to receive federal aid.