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President Obama Chooses Fundraising Over Flood Waters

WASHINGTON – On June 24th U.S. Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins (KS-02), along with Representatives Steve King (IA-05), Sam Graves (MO-06), Jeff Fortenberry (NE-01), and Lee Terry (NE-02) sent a letter to President Obama asking him to extend his trip to America’s Heartland this week in order to view the areas along the Missouri River affected by the recent flooding.

On Monday, we received word the President would not be able to make time in his schedule to visit the affected areas.  Today, the President is in Philadelphia, raising funds for his 2012 re-election campaign.

The following statements were released in response to the declined invitation: 

Congresswoman Jenkins: “This summer the folks along the Missouri River will once again suffer through historic floods that will threaten their homes, their families, their businesses, and their livelihoods. I am incredibly disappointed that the President declined our invitation to visit these areas and meet the people impacted by these floods.”

“While Mother Nature and historic snowmelt is undoubtedly at work, the current flooding is the direct result of the Army Corps of Engineers following policy as outlined in their “Master Manual,” which outlines the Corps’ water management strategies.  As Commander in Chief, the Army Corps of Engineers are under the President’s authority, and we hoped this visit would drive home the immediate impact of the flood waters and the importance of updating this “Master Manual” to prevent future devastating floods.”

“Unfortunately, it appears fundraising and campaigning have taken priority during this trip, but the invitation is an open one. I hope the President will make it back to the Heartland and meet the hard working Americans impacted by these floods in the near future.”

Congressman Fortenberry: "With such widespread damage from flooding in multiple states and two nuclear plants threatened by rising waters, I think the President should make this a priority."

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