Axne Statement on Incomplete Disaster Declaration

Today, Rep. Cindy Axne (IA-03) issued the following statement after receiving documentation from the Federal Department of Emergency Management (FEMA) that shows sections of Iowa’s federal disaster declaration petition are still under review:

“Like many others across our state, I took the President at his word yesterday when he announced he had approved ‘the full emergency declaration’ for Iowa to unlock the federal resources necessary to aid recovery efforts from last week’s derecho. 

It is unacceptable that portions of this federal aid are still under review, including funds that will help Iowans deal with damage at their homes – especially as access to safe shelter remains a critical priority during the ongoing public health crisis. 

I am grateful that the President has quickly approved a portion of this disaster declaration, but urge him to commit any and all additional manpower and resources necessary to complete these reviews and approve this aid. The families in Iowa who have lost their homes, power, and massive sections of their harvests cannot afford any unnecessary delay.”