I supported Governor Bob McDonnell’s request earlier this month that President Obama issue a Major Disaster Declaration which would allow the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) to release funds to help with Hurricane Sandy cleanup and restoration. I was disappointed to learn Thursday that while the President agreed to some of the funding, he chose to withhold Individual Assistance from Accomack County. This means Accomack County residents whose homes were totally destroyed by Hurricane Sandy will not get the relief they need. Virginia taxpayers whose homes have been destroyed by this disaster should be eligible for the same relief offered to the taxpayers of Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York, and New Jersey. While the damage in those states may be more wide spread, the acute damage to individual homes in Accomack County is just as severe. I urge President Obama to reconsider his decision with respect to Accomack County, and in the meantime, I join the Governor in encouraging good-hearted Virginians to help Accomack residents by donating to the Virginia Disaster Relief Fund.