WASHINGTON - Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement regarding FEMA's decision to deny Governor McDonnell's request to declare a major disaster in Washington and Pulaski Counties.

For Immediate Release Contact: Beth Breeding May 6, 2011 202-225-3861 GRIFFITH STATEMENT ON FEMA RESPONSE WASHINGTON - Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement regarding FEMA's decision to deny Governor McDonnell's request to declare a major disaster in Washington and Pulaski Counties. “Over the past two weeks the Virginia Delegation has sent letters to the Obama Administration supporting Governor McDonnell’s requests for the declaration of a major disaster in both Washington and Pulaski Counties and urging him to grant federal disaster assistance. Today we learned that the Governor's requests were denied by FEMA. "I am greatly disappointed by the Obama Administration's decision to deny the federal disaster declaration for Washington and Pulaski Counties. Apparently, we can spend all sorts of money on many frivolous federal programs, but not for those who are truly in need of disaster relief. I urge the Governor to appeal this decision so that the people affected by these devastating storms in Southwest Virginia get the support they need to begin rebuilding.�