Iowa Congressional Delegation Urge Trump to Approve Disaster Declaration for Derecho

DES MOINES, Iowa – Iowa’s Congressional delegation urged President Donald Trump to quickly approve a petition for federal disaster declaration filed Sunday evening in the aftermath of last week’s derecho that has devasted communities across Iowa, leaving thousands still without power and millions of crop acres damaged.

In a letter to President Trump, U.S. Senators Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst and U. S. Reps. Abby Finkenauer, Dave Loebsack, Cindy Axne, and Steve King urged him to support Governor Kim Reynolds’ formal request for a federal disaster declaration.

“While I have been grateful to see countless Iowans stepping up to lend a hand to their neighbors and communities in the aftermath of this storm, we need the support of federal agencies and disaster relief funds to back up their selfless efforts and get these communities back on their feet as soon as possible,” Axne said. “I hope the President recognizes the severity of this disaster and approves the aid Iowans desperately need as soon as possible.”

“I am incredibly happy to see this expedited request for a major disaster declaration, and will do anything and everything to see it fulfilled. Our neighbors need help and they need it now.” Finkenauer said. 

“I hope President Trump moves quickly and hears the calls from our state. We cannot afford to waste anymore time as Iowans are without power, homes, and food.” she said.

Grassley tweeted about it on Sunday:

Ernst also commented on Twitter:

Loebsack did as well.

Last week, a state disaster declaration for 27 counties: Audubon, Benton, Boone, Dallas, Cass, Cedar, Clarke, Clinton, Greene, Grundy, Guthrie, Hardin, Iowa, Jackson, Jasper, Johnson, Jones, Linn, Madison, Marshall, Muscatine, Polk, Poweshiek, Scott, Story, Tama, and Washington counties.

For Iowans affected by the storm, Iowa Department of Human Services offers disaster assistance grants as well as assistance for replacing food lost because of storm damage or power outage.

Households can also contact their local Community Action Agency to develop and carry out a Disaster Recovery Plan.

For disaster crisis counseling, Iowans can call the Iowa Concern Hotline at (800) 447-1985.

The full text of the letter to President Trump can be found below: