Dennis Ross: FEMA, Obama Administration Playing Politics on Tampa Bay Flood Decision

U.S. Rep. Dennis Ross, R-Fla., part of the House leadership as senior deputy majority whip, expressed his frustration on Wednesday as the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) continues to refuse to declare a major disaster in the Tampa Bay region after heavy storm and floods at the start of last month. 

Ross backed Gov. Rick Scott’s appeal of FEMA’s refusal to declare a major disaster in the area and he blamed the White House for playing politics on the matter. 

"It is unconscionable that FEMA and this administration continue to put politics ahead of the lives of thousands of Floridians in Hillsborough County who continue to suffer from the devastating destruction caused by the historic flooding this past summer,” Ross said on Wednesday. “Floridians are strong and have always bounced back from Mother Nature’s torrid hand.  However, Floridians shouldn’t be forgotten by the federal government when tragedy strikes.”