Dear Friend,

Last week, I wrote to you about my recent visit to the tornado-stricken town of Greensburg, Kansas. This week, I regret to find myself writing once again about a natural disaster: the downpour that washed across southeast Kansas over the weekend, triggering severe floods and widespread evacuations.

When I first learned of the flooding on Saturday, I drove to several towns impacted by floodwaters, including Altoona, Neodesha, Yates Center, Fredonia, and Quememo. Then, on Monday morning, I accompanied Governor Kathleen Sebelius, Kansas Adjutant General Todd Bunting, and the Kansas Congressional delegation on a helicopter tour of flood-damaged regions. We visited with local leaders and law enforcement officials, offered our support to families, and explored ways that the state and federal governments can lend a helping hand to recovery efforts.

The images of rising floodwaters in southeast Kansas are now settling in my mind next to scenes from Greensburg and from the floods of early May. It seems that, lately, our state has suffered more than its share of setbacks from Mother Nature. But as devastating as these tragedies have been, they have also brought out the very best in Kansans. In my visits to communities, I have seen again and again the strength and compassion of the people of the Second District.

Late Monday evening, President Bush declared a federal state of disaster emergency in 17 Kansas counties, opening the door to Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) aid for state and local governments. With help from FEMA and the support of friends and neighbors, southeast Kansas will soon start down the long road to recovery.

I ask you to keep every victim of this week’s floods, of the Greensburg tornado, and of May’s severe weather in your prayers.

Very truly yours,

Nancy Boyda
Member of Congress

New Features on Official Website

As you may have noticed, my official website, www.boyda.house.gov, has launched numerous new features in recent weeks.  The latest is a weekly blog called Casework Corner, where my constituent services staff offers guidance on dealing with federal agencies, provides updates on federal programs, and shares stories about constituents who have contacted our office.

I've also added a new photo gallery and a calendar of upcoming Congress on Your Corner events. Additionally, I expect to launch a new Letter of the Week blog later this week, highlighting mail that I've recently received from constituents.

I hope you'll keep a close eye on my website in the weeks to come.  More new features are on the way!

Disaster Relief Deadline Extended

If you suffered property damage in the tornadoes, storms, and floods that swept across Kansas in May, you should know that August 4th is the new, extended deadline to apply for disaster assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Residents of Leavenworth, Osage, Riley, and Shawnee counties are eligible for FEMA Individual Assistance, which helps homeowners, families, and businesses cover immediate, necessary expenses in the aftermath of a declared natural disaster. Funds may be used for housing, disaster-related medical and dental costs, clothing, household items, and other serious needs.

Even if you believe that your losses are covered by insurance, FEMA advises that you submit an assistance application by the August 4th deadline. An application will ensure your eligibility for FEMA relief in case your insurance claim is denied or does not cover your immediate needs.

This Week in Congress

On Monday, June 25, I led librarians and administrators from the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Libraries on a nighttime tour of the Capitol.  I had seen many of these folks a week earlier at a "Big Read" event celebrating Ray Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451, and I was pleased to visit with them again in Washington.

On Tuesday, I met with Dennis Vasquez, the superintendent of the Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site, and Dr. Tom Bryant, the president of Pittsburg State University.  I also participated in a hearing of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Military Personnel into the ongoing investigation of conditions at Walter Reed Army Medical Center.

On Wednesday, I visited with Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius, who was in town to speak at the Congressional Summit on Rural America, and I attended a Military Personnel Subcommittee hearing on policies and procedures regarding the notification of next-of-kin of wounded and deceased service members.  Also, Terry Tuckwin and her grandchildren visited and toured the Capitol.

On Thursday, I met with representatives from the Eisenhower Memorial Commission to discuss plans for a national Eisenhower monument to be constructed in Washington, D.C.  I also attended the Congressional Art Competition reception along with the competition's Kansas Second District winner, Abhimanyu Sandal of Lawrence, and his family.

Also on Thursday, I visited with State Department YES Program students Timothy Tam from Malaysia and Fenty Iswaningtyas from Indonesia, who spent the past year studying in Topeka.  I also welcomed to my office Brandon Carney from Washburn Rural High School, a participant in the National Young Leaders Conference

On Friday, I visited a wounded Kansas soldier from Fort Riley at Walter Reed Army Medical Center.  I then flew home to Kansas, where I learned that flood conditions were rapidly worsening in the southeast region of the state.

On Saturday, I drove to several towns impacted by floodwaters, including Altoona, Neodesha, Yates Center, Fredonia, and Quememo.  I met with local leaders and law enforcement officials, visited with victims, and offered as much caring and support as I possibly could.