Ernst, Grassley Welcome the President’s Approval of Governor Reynolds’ Major Disaster Declaration Request

RED OAK, Iowa—U.S. Senators Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) today welcomed President Trump’s swift approval of Governor Kim Reynolds’ request for a major disaster declaration. Yesterday, Ernst and Grassley joined the Iowa delegation urging the President to expedite review and approve the request, which Governor Reynolds and her team assembled within a matter of days following last week’s derecho.

“The derecho that hit our state has devastated Iowans and our communities—taking lives and causing significant damage to both public infrastructure and private property and leaving many without power. I’ve seen the devastation firsthand, and will continue to do so this week,” said Senator Ernst. “It’s clear Iowa needs assistance from the federal government. That’s why I’m grateful to Governor Reynolds and her team for pulling together damage assessment within days and submitting the request for a presidential major disaster declaration, and the president working swiftly to approve it.”

“I’ve seen firsthand the heartbreaking damage to farms, businesses, homes and infrastructure across Iowa. I’ve also seen neighbor helping neighbor and believe we will get through this together. I’m working with Governor Reynolds, Senator Ernst and the rest of the Iowa delegation to make sure Iowa gets all the help it needs. I support Governor Reynolds’ major disaster declaration request and commend President Trump’s swift approval of this much-needed federal assistance,” said Senator Grassley.

Background:

On Friday, Senator Ernst visited Cedar Rapids to continue to meet with and hear from Iowans as the state works to recover from the derecho. Ernst spoke with Governor Kim Reynolds and the Adjutant General of the Iowa National Guard, Ben Corell, before distributing food alongside volunteers at the HACAP Mobile Food Pantry.

Ernst also visited a farm in Maxwell to see the damage firsthand and hear directly from Iowans who have been impacted by the storms.

Ernst also launched a new resources page on her website for Iowans who have been impacted by the derecho, and is encouraging Iowans to reach out to her office for assistance with federal agencies as she continues to hear from local officials and communities across the state as they work to rebuild. 

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