Nebraska Delegation Echoes Governor’s Requests for Major Disaster Declaration Following August Storms

U.S. Senators Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) and Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.) and U.S. Representatives Mike Flood (NE-01), Don Bacon (NE-02), and Adrian Smith (NE-03) sent a letter to President Donald Trump in support of Governor Jim Pillen's (R-Neb.) request for a major disaster declaration for areas impacted by severe storms occurring from August 8th to 10th.

During that time period, severe thunderstorms, straight-line winds, and flashed flooding caused extensive damage across the state. Overall, the storms inflicted nearly $40 million in damage and resulted in the tragic loss of a life. Downed trees and power lines disrupted producers during peak harvest season, displaced families in multiple counties, and caused damage to government facilities and businesses.

Specifically, Governor Pillen's request follows storms that affected Burt, Douglas, Fillmore, Lancaster, Nemaha, Nuckolls, Saline, Saunders, Seward, Thayer, Washington, and Webster counties.

A copy of the delegation's letter to President Trump is below and a signed copy is

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Dear Mr. President:

We write in support of Governor Jim Pillen's request for a major disaster declaration, which followed the storms occurring during the period of August 8 to 10, 2025, for the Nebraska counties of Burt, Douglas, Fillmore, Lancaster, Nemaha, Nuckolls, Saline, Saunders, Seward, Thayer, Washington, and Webster. We also support Governor Pillen's request for Hazard Mitigation statewide.

Severe thunderstorms, straight-line winds, and flashed flooding caused extensive damage across the state. Overall, the storms inflicted nearly $40 million in damage and resulted in the tragic loss of a life. Downed trees and power lines disrupted producers during peak harvest season, displaced families in multiple counties, and caused damage to government facilities and businesses.

The full impact of these storms is still being calculated. We know our Nebraska communities will demonstrate resilience in the face of adversity as they work to recover, as they have demonstrated many times in recent years. We encourage the federal government to join with the state in their ongoing restoration efforts.

We stand ready and willing to assist in any way possible to ensure prompt evaluation of this request. Please do not hesitate to contact our offices with any questions.