Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) today applauded President Donald Trump’s swift approval of Governor Kim Reynolds’ request for a major disaster declaration. Yesterday, Grassley and Ernst led the Iowa delegation in urging the President to expedite a review and approve the request, which Reynolds assembled within a matter of days following last week’s derecho.
“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,” Grassley said.
“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.”
Following the Derecho, Grassley visited Cedar Rapids over the weekend to meet with city officials to discuss recovery efforts. During that visit, Grassley spoke with Iowans who have been negatively impacted by the storm. He also surveyed storm damage throughout Cedar Rapids and spoke to local media about federal response measures.
After surveying storm damage and meeting with residents, Grassley met with local city officials at the Cedar Rapids Central Fire Station. After discussing their recovery efforts, Grassley visited Samaritan’s Purse Cedar Rapids to help with their disaster response and donate food and bottled water.
All photos and videos from the visit today can be found HERE.
