LEXINGTON, Ky. (FOX 56) – Kentucky’s senior senator met with the state’s top emergency officials to get an update on the recovery in eastern Kentucky. Sen. Mitch McConnell said his feelings are mixed on the overall response to the floods and is open to making changes at the federal level if necessary to smooth over the process.

There has been a bipartisan call by state leaders on FEMA to do more to rectify a high number of denials and appeals of flood victims’ claims.

“Listen, FEMA has got to do better but they are doing better,” Gov. Andy Beshear said during a Team Kentucky update on Aug. 25.

“You hadn’t heard from us in a day? You’re not bothering us, we want to do what’s right. We want to get every dollar they are legally entitled to in their hands,” FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer Brett Howard said.

Howard said the agency has already paid out $51.9 million in individual assistance to flood victims but is federally limited in the amount they can give. The maximum amount a flood victim can receive from FEMA in individual assistance is $37,900. Howard said the purpose of those funds is meant to jump start recovery.

“Our program was designed to help survivors become safe, sanitary, and secure. It was never designed to replace insurance,” Howard said.

“I think a real effort is being made, I’m a long way from being satisfied and to the extent that any of these people on the ground conclude there needs to be statutory changes, we’re open to that,” McConnell said.

McConnell did not get elaborate on any specifics about possible changes he would consider. The Senate returns back to Washington on Sept. 6.