Iowa lawmaker says she’s ‘deeply disappointed’ in White House’s disaster assistance declaration

A Democratic Iowa congresswoman urged President Trump on Monday to expand federal disaster assistance to individuals and families in her state impacted by recent storms after Trump claimed to have approved a “full” relief request from the state’s governor.

In a statement, Rep. Abby Finkenauer said that she was “deeply disappointed” that Trump had tweeted a message claiming that he had approved the request from Gov. Kim Reynolds (R) while assistance for families and individuals remains under review.

“While I am appreciative of the President’s quick action in approving Public Assistance for Iowa communities to cleanup and rebuild, I’m deeply disappointed he has not granted the State of Iowa’s full request for Individual Assistance, including assistance to individuals and homeowners, in response to the derecho storm that devastated Cedar Rapids and communities across eastern Iowa,” said Finkenauer. “We must ensure no Iowan is left behind by this tragedy. I ask the president to rectify his omission immediately.”

“I will continue fighting for a fast and comprehensive review of the impacts of this storm on Iowa families and businesses — and all necessary and appropriate federal relief for families as well as local governments,” she added.

Her statement came in response to the president’s tweet Monday afternoon.

Just approved (and fast) the FULL Emergency Declaration for the Great State of Iowa. They got hit hard by record setting winds. Thank you to @SenJoniErnst, @ChuckGrassley, and Governor Kim Reynolds.

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 17, 2020

The White House did not immediately return a request for comment.

Iowa was battered last week by a storm with winds that reached 100 mph in some areas, killing three people and causing damage to homes and businesses.

Reynolds requested $4 billion in disaster relief funding from the federal government in response, calling for a “strong and timely federal response to support recovery efforts.”