Finkenauer Joined by Iowa Senators in Call for Support to the Meskwaki Nation
WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer (IA-01) was joined by Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Joni Ernst (R-IA) on Friday in calling on President Donald Trump to approve federal disaster aid for the Meskwaki Nation.
Friday’s letter follows Finkenauer’s visit to the Meskwaki Settlement and a separate letter calling for federal aid on Thursday.
"We respectfully ask that you promptly grant the request made by the Sac & Fox Tribe of the Mississippi of Iowa, known as Meskwaki Nation, as a result of the derecho wind event on August 10, 2020,” Finkenauer, Grassley, and Ernst wrote in the letter. “Major impacts have been felt by the Tribe due to the displacement of residents from home damage, facility damage, loss of power and gas, damage to roadways and infrastructure, and loss of communication services."
"After visiting and being briefed by tribal leaders on Thursday, it is clear more needs to be done, and that federal aid is needed,” Finkenauer said. “I’m pleased I was able to work with our senators in calling for aid for the Meskwaki Nation. Just like many communities in our district, last week’s derecho caused substantial damage to homes and tribal infrastructure."
"I will continue fighting hard for the Meskwaki Nation and everyone who has been hurt by the derecho,” Finkenauer said.
Finkenauer’s Ongoing Derecho Relief Efforts:
The rare derecho storm affected more than 20 counties across Iowa, producing straight-line winds that exceeded 100 mph in several locations. Much of the damage took place in counties included in the First District. 550,000 homes were left without power and the total estimated damage is more than $3.9 billion.
On Friday, 8/21, Finkenauer sent a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue seeking information on potential USDA relief for farmers and producers affected by the derecho disaster.
On Thursday, 8/20, Finkenauer released a statement on the Administration’s approval of Individual Assistance for Linn County residents impacted by the derecho.
On Thursday, 8/20, Finkenauer visited the Meskwaki Nation in Tama to meet with tribal leaders and view damage from the derecho. Finkenauer also sent a letter to President Donald Trump on Thursday imploring him to approve the tribe’s request for federal disaster aid.
On Wednesday, 8/19, Finkenauer released a Disaster Resource Guide for constituents.
On Wednesday, 8/19, Finkenauer wrote to President Trump urging him to fully approve Iowa’s request for an expedited major disaster declaration, which includes individual assistance, and urged a waiver of local cost match.
On Monday, 8/17, Finkenauer took part in an electric restoration briefing with Alliant Energy.
On Monday, 8/17, Finkenauer visited Benton County to hear about local storm damage from local leaders and emergency management officials, and visited the Iowa Veterans Home.
On Sunday, 8/16, Finkenauer joined the full Iowa federal delegation in sending a letter to President Donald Trump urging him to accept Governor Kim Reynolds’ request for an expedited presidential major disaster declaration.
On Friday, 8/14, Finkenauer visited storm damage in Marshalltown, including the Iowa Veterans Home.
On Thursday, 8/13, Finkenauer hosted a briefing with Iowa Director of Homeland Security and Emergency Management Joyce Flinn.
On Thursday, 8/13, Finkenauer urged Reynolds to call for an expedited Presidential Disaster Declaration and joined Cedar Rapids city officials at a press conference to call for expedited federal aid and additional state resources as Cedar Rapids and communities across Iowa work to recover from Monday’s derecho storm.
On Wednesday, 8/12, she attended a briefing with Cedar Rapids emergency officials.
On Tuesday, 8/11, Finkenauer sent a letter to Governor Kim Reynolds seeking information and offering assistance in the wake of Monday’s storms that knocked out power and caused widespread damage across eastern Iowa.
If you need or someone you know has been affected by the storm and needs help, call 1-800-RED-CROSS. For information about state aid for food and health assistance, click here. To volunteer through the United Way of East Central Iowa, click here.