Finkenauer Joins Press Conference with Cedar Rapids Area Officials to Highlight Urgency of Federal Assistance Following Derecho Storm

WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer (IA-01) joined Cedar Rapids city officials at a press conference Thursday at the city’s emergency operations center 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.

"We need all the help we can get — here in Cedar Rapids and all across this district. …” Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer said. “We’ve called on the governor to issue, as quickly as possible, an expedited request for a presidential disaster declaration. What that means is that we can get federal resources into Iowa. But this needs to be done as fast as possible."

Finkenauer’s remarks at Thursday’s press conference followed a letter sent to Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds urging the governor to seek a presidential disaster declaration for the state, and to mobilize more state and National Guard resources to assist distressed communities.

Finkenauer shared the experiences of constituents who are struggling with essential needs in the aftermath of the storm — including a mom in need of ice to keep breast milk frozen, a cancer patient in need of antibiotics after cutting himself during storm cleanup and a mail carrier who helped a resident on his route obtain a generator to keep their insulin cold.

The rare derecho storm affected 20 counties across Iowa, producing straight-line winds that exceeded 100 mph in several locations.

"This is a disaster we’ve never seen before,” Finkenauer said. “It was like a hurricane coming through the Midwest."

Finkenauer also called on people in the community to support their friends and neighbors, and to contact the Red Cross and United Way for opportunities to donate and volunteer.

To watch Finkenauer’s full remarks click here.

The Red Cross has established a shelter at the Thomas Park Community Center in Marion. If you need or someone you know needs help, call 1-800-RED-CROSS. Those interested in volunteering can visit the United Way’s website at www.uweci.org/get-involved/ 

Wednesday, Finkenauer visited with emergency officials at the Cedar Rapids operations center. On Tuesday, 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.