Smith, Klobuchar, Finstad Urge Trump Administration to Approve Minnesota’s Request for Disaster Declaration

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Tina Smith and Amy Klobuchar (both D-MN) and U.S. Representative Brad Finstad (R-MN) urged the Trump Administration to approve Minnesota's request for a Major Disaster Declaration to help communities in southeastern Minnesota that are working to recover from severe weather and flooding. If this disaster declaration is approved, the federal government will be able to provide disaster assistance for various recovery efforts.

"We write to you in strong support of the state of Minnesota's request for a Major Disaster Declaration for Individual Assistance under the Stafford Act to assist our constituents recovering from severe storms and flash flooding. These natural disasters have caused significant damage, and we ask that you quickly grant approval for federal disaster assistance," said the lawmakers.

The lawmakers continued, "Time and time again, Minnesotans have stepped up to support their neighbors after natural disasters. When flood waters rise and homes are damaged, volunteers and neighbors are quick to fill sandbags, clean up debris, and lend a hand to those in need. Impacted communities will repair the damage and rebuild following these disasters, but rapid federal assistance will speed up this recovery effort. We strongly support Minnesota's request for a Major Disaster Declaration for Individual Assistance and ask that you grant its approval without delay."

Full text of the letter is available HERE and below:

Dear Mr. President:

We write to you in strong support of the state of Minnesota's request for a Major Disaster Declaration for Individual Assistance under the Stafford Act to assist our constituents recovering from severe storms and flash flooding. These natural disasters have caused significant damage, and we ask that you quickly grant approval for federal disaster assistance.

In early July, southeastern Minnesota experienced severe weather events that caused flooding across the region. Heavy precipitation qualified as a rare "mega-rain" in some areas, with approximately 75 percent of Fillmore County and more than half of Houston County receiving more than 6 inches of rain. The severe storms and resulting flooding caused significant damage to homes in the affected area. Each home that received major damage had a submerged furnace or boiler, many of which will need repair or replacement ahead of Minnesota's fall and winter seasons. Some homes have been condemned or determined to be uninhabitable due to structural issues resulting from the disaster.

Joint federal and state emergency management teams have conducted preliminary damage assessments and have determined that the losses meet the threshold for federal assistance under the Stafford Act through a Major Disaster Declaration. Governor Walz has submitted an official request for disaster assistance for the period of July 2 to July 8, 2026. The request, dated August 21, 2026, covers Fillmore, Houston, and MowerCounties.

Time and time again, Minnesotans have stepped up to support their neighbors after natural disasters. When flood waters rise and homes are damaged, volunteers and neighbors are quick to fill sandbags, clean up debris, and lend a hand to those in need. Impacted communities will repair the damage and rebuild following these disasters, but rapid federal assistance will speed up this recovery effort.

We strongly support Minnesota's request for a Major Disaster Declaration for Individual Assistance and ask that you grant its approval without delay.

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