No Evidence that Billy Long Toured Flood Areas Before Stepping on Governor Nixon's Toes

Looking through Congressman Billy Long's tweets, press releases, and news stories, there is no evidence Long toured the damage of the 2011 floods in Southwest Missouri. With that said, Long decided to take the responsibility of Governor Jay Nixon and make it his own with no proof of Long ever calling Governor Nixon asking him what he could do to help with the situation, but rather appears Long ordered Nixon to take action.

The Turner Report today describes Long's declaration for federal aid to assist in Southwest Missouri, but then describes how Long stepped on Governor Nixon's toes, proving once again Long is swimming in too deep of waters in Washington and is too eager to please everyone despite showing no obvious interest in the flooding during his two week recess over at the end of April. If Long had toured the flooded areas, he would have assuredly tweeted about it considering he is a habitual tweeter.

From The Turner Report:

Flooding in the Seventh District prompted U.S. Representative Billy Long to request help from federal agencies for individuals and small businesses.


“The Small Business Administration (SBA) and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) are here to make sure families and businesses get the help they need to rebuild. The State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) is aware of the situation and we have asked Governor Nixon to reach out to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to get help where it is needed.”

Per the Stafford Act only the Governor of a State or U.S. Territory can request a major Federal disaster declaration. Based on the governor’s request, the President may declare that a major disaster or emergency exists, thus activating FEMA and other Federal programs to assist in the response and recovery effort.

Congressman Long’s Office is also in direct contact with the Army Corps of Engineers. The flooding was compounded when the Corps released the rising waters from Table Rock Lake this week after heavy rains threatened the dam’s integrity. The National Weather Service forecasts a possibility of more rain this weekend.

Long added, “We can’t stop Mother Nature but we sure can let our friends and families know that they can count on us to be there when she strikes.”