My weekly column: Securing disaster relief for Iowa
Earlier this year, our communities were hit by severe floods and powerful tornadoes that devastated homes, farms, businesses, hospitals, and schools. Crops were damaged, personal property was destroyed, and vehicles were totaled. Months later, families are still picking up the pieces and working to rebuild. But, even amid unthinkable tragedy, Iowans rallied around our neighbors to lend a helping hand because that’s just how we do things in Iowa. We help where we can and support our fellow Iowans when they need it most.
Of course, cleanup after major disasters is not only time-consuming and physically and emotionally draining, but it is also costly. This year alone, more than 5,500 homes were impacted by tornadoes and floods in Iowa, approximately $343 million in infrastructure-related damage was reported, and we experienced a 1,000-year rainfall event and the most tornadoes ever registered in a single year in our state. Shortly after the storms, I surveyed damage from the floods and the tornadoes with Governor Reynolds to assess the immediate needs of our communities. As a result, I called on President Biden to approve major disaster declarations for many impacted counties in our district so that vital funding could be unlocked, and our communities could begin the process of recovering and rebuilding. However, due to destructive hurricanes in the Southeast and fires out West, funds dedicated for disaster relief have since been depleted, which has stalled recovery efforts.
President Biden recently requested nearly $100 billion from Congress to address ongoing recovery needs nationwide, and I will be working day and night to ensure that Iowa receives its fair share of the pie. As the situation stands now, about $24 billion has been requested for the USDA so that our farmers who suffered crop losses and other damage can get back on their feet and maintain some semblance of financial stability. The other chunk of funding would help rebuild vital infrastructure, support low-interest loans for small businesses, offer homeowners and renters financial support, and provide our local communities with the resources that they need to make important repairs and other investments. A few months back, I also helped send a letter to the Biden administration urging for funding to be fully replenished for disaster loans administered through the Small Business Administration so that our main-street businesses can keep their doors open and employees on payroll. As negotiations begin, I will do everything in my power to deliver relief to Iowa and support our communities that were crushed by recent storms.
Iowans who need assistance with disaster recovery or have any questions can visit my Natural Disaster Resource Center on my website at Feenstra.House.Gov to find more information or call my office at 202-225-4426 to speak directly with a member of my staff. I also encourage people to contact FEMA directly by phone at 1-800-621-3362 or online at www.disasterassistance.gov to get their questions answered.
Iowans are no strangers to severe weather. When we get knocked down, we get back up stronger than before, and we move forward. My promise to Iowa and the 4th Congressional District is that I will work to secure the disaster funding that our families, farmers, businesses, and local communities need. Just like we’ve done time and time before, we will recover and rebuild together.