BATON ROUGE, La. (BRPROUD) — A group of Louisiana lawmakers, led by Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) and House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), is urging President Joe Biden to approve an emergency declaration for Louisiana after the terrorist attack in New Orleans. The declaration would allow the state to use all of its resources before the Super Bowl and Mardi Gras. “We respectfully request expedited approval of Governor Jeff Landry’s request for an emergency declaration for the State of Louisiana under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act,” the lawmakers wrote in their request to the president. In the letter, the delegation explained that the attack occurred during a busy season for New Orleans, as the city prepared to host major events including the Sugar Bowl. “This terrorist attack caused significant harm to our visitors and residents, disrupted essential services, and overwhelmed local and state resources,” they said. The delegation also wrote to Small Business Administration Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman, urging her to provide disaster loans to affected small businesses in downtown New Orleans and the French Quarter. “SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans would provide these businesses with much-needed financial relief, enabling them to cover operating expenses, repair damages, and stabilize their operations during this difficult time. These loans are critical to preserving an economic lifeline in New Orleans,” they wrote. Other Louisiana lawmakers were Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Rep. Steve Scalise (R-La.), Rep. Clay Higgins (R-La.), Rep. Julia Letlow (R-La.) and Rep. Troy Carter (D-La.). Read the full letter here. Latest News King cake season kicks off: Port Allen Bakery prepares for Mardi Gras NYC preschool sub reads book on gender identity to students, some parents upset Boy hurt in accidental shooting, two arrested in Baton Rouge Hundreds of animals killed in Dallas shopping center fire Royal family pays tribute to Prince William, Harry's nanny who lost stepson in New Orleans attack