Durbin, Duckworth Lead Illinois Democrats In Urging The Trump Administration To Grant Federal Disaster Declaration For Five Illinois Counties Following Severe Weather

Durbin, Duckworth Lead Illinois Democrats In Urging The Trump Administration To Grant Federal Disaster Declaration For Five Illinois Counties Following Severe Weather

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today led all Democratic members of the Illinois delegation in sending a letter to President Trump urging the Administration to grant Governor J.B. Pritzker's request for federal assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Small Business Administration (SBA) for Boone, Cook (including the city of Chicago), Kane, McHenry, and Will Counties. The letter follows a period of severe storms from August 16-19, 2025 that resulted in torrential rainfall, damaging winds, and flash flooding across the northeastern part of the state. In response, the Governor is requesting authorization of FEMA Individual Assistance (IA) and Hazard Mitigation programs, and SBA physical and economic injury disaster loan programs to aid Illinoisans in recovery.

"We write in support of Illinois Governor JB Pritzker's request for federal assistance for the State of Illinois to help five Illinois counties recover from severe storm damage that occurred from August 16-19, 2025. Specifically, he requests a Major Disaster Declaration for Boone, Cook (including the City of Chicago), Kane, McHenry, and Will Counties," wrote the lawmakers.

"During the August 16-19, 2025, period, a multi-day severe weather episode passed through Boone, Cook, Kane, McHenry, and Will Counties, resulting in multiple rounds of torrential rainfall, concentrated swaths of straight-line winds, and flash flooding. The initial storm delivered large hail and damaging winds likely exceeding 70mph in many parts of northeastern Illinois. Follow-on storms repeatedly struck the same regions with severe weather, exacerbating the wind damage and flash flooding. All five counties experienced significant damage from downed trees, power outages, and extreme rainfall totals. Subsequent damage has impacted homeowners, businesses, roadways, and infrastructure. As such, the Governor seeks timely federal assistance from FEMA and SBA," the letter concluded.

In addition to Durbin and Duckworth, the letter was signed by all Democratic members of the Illinois congressional delegation, including Jonathan Jackson (D-IL-01), Robin Kelly (D-IL-02), Delia Ramierz (D-IL-03), Jesús G. "Chuy" García (D-IL-04), Mike Quigley (D-IL-05), Sean Casten (D-IL-06), Danny Davis (D-IL-07), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL-08), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL-09), Brad Schneider (D-IL-10), Bill Foster (D-IL-11), Nikki Budzinski (D-IL-13), Lauren Underwood (D-IL-14), and Eric Sorensen (D-IL-17).

Full text of the letter is available here and below:

Dear Mr. President:,

We write in support of Illinois Governor JB Pritzker's request for federal assistance for the State of Illinois to help five Illinois counties recover from severe storm damage that occurred from August 16-19, 2025. Specifically, he requests a Major Disaster Declaration for Boone, Cook (including the City of Chicago), Kane, McHenry, and Will Counties.

Governor Pritzker has indicated that this incident is of such severity and magnitude that an effective response is beyond the capabilities of the state and local governments. We support his request for authorization of Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Individual Assistance (IA) and Hazard Mitigation programs to aid in recovery. Additionally, we support his request for a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) physical and economic injury disaster declaration for the affected counties. This would enable low interest SBA disaster loans, including physical and economic injury loans, to support affected individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations.

During the August 16-19, 2025, period, a multi-day severe weather episode passed through Boone, Cook, Kane, McHenry, and Will Counties, resulting in multiple rounds of torrential rainfall, concentrated swaths of straight-line winds, and flash flooding. The initial storm delivered large hail and damaging winds likely exceeding 70mph in many parts of northeastern Illinois. Follow-on storms repeatedly struck the same regions with severe weather, exacerbating the wind damage and flash flooding. All five counties experienced significant damage from downed trees, power outages, and extreme rainfall totals. Subsequent damage has impacted homeowners, businesses, roadways, and infrastructure. As such, the Governor seeks timely federal assistance from FEMA and SBA.

Thank you in advance for your consideration of this important request. We stand ready to assist in any way appropriate.

Sincerely,

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