WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01), along with Congresswoman Angie Craig (MN-02), Congressman Dean Phillips (MN-03), Congresswoman Betty McCollum (MN-04), Congresswoman Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Majority Whip Tom Emmer (MN-06), Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach (MN-07), Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08), and U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Tina Smith (D-MN) urged the Biden Administration to approve Minnesota’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration to help communities that are working to recover from severe weather and flooding.

This week, Congressman Finstad visited areas across the First District, including Madelia, rural Watonwan County, Jackson, Waseca, and Mankato, to assess the damage caused by the historic, catastrophic flooding that has occurred as a result of recent record rainfall across southern Minnesota. On Monday, Congressman Finstad and his fellow Minnesota House Republicans sent a letter to Governor Tim Walz, urging him to act swiftly and request a Federal Disaster Declaration, which will provide our communities with the resources they need to recover and rebuild.

Thursday, Governor Walz submitted an official request for disaster assistance with the support of Congressman Finstad and the entire Minnesota delegation in both the House and Senate.

In the letter, the lawmakers wrote, “We write to you in strong support of the state of Minnesota’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration under the Stafford Act to assist communities that are working to recover from severe storms and flooding. These natural disasters have caused significant damage, and we ask that you quickly grant approval for federal disaster assistance.”

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 and ask that you grant its approval without delay.”

Full text of the letter is available HERE.