Sunflower State News

U.S. Senator Jerry Moran of Kansas, along with Sen. Roger Marshall and Representatives Tracey Mann, Derek Schmidt, Sharice Davids, and Ron Estes, has formally urged President Trump to declare a major disaster for the State of Kansas in response to severe weather events that took place from July 17 through July 22, 2025. The request follows Governor Laura Kelly’s formal appeal for federal assistance submitted on September 17.

In a letter addressed to the president, the delegation stated: "As Kansas is not unfamiliar to natural disasters, the result of these events resulted in drastic impacts to the communities affected. Federal support must be provided to assist our state in emergency response and restoration efforts."

The delegation further expressed their position: "We, the Kansas Delegation, again strongly reiterate our fullest support for the Governor’s request," adding, "We look forward to federal assistance made readily available, equipping both state and local governments with the resources needed to address the devastation caused by these severe storms."

Kansas experienced a series of thunderstorms, straight-line winds, tornadoes and flooding during this period. Damage assessments indicate approximately $7.6 million in damages across several counties including Barton, Comanche, Edwards, Ford, Hodgeman, Johnson, Logan, Marion, Morris, Ottawa, Pawnee, Rawlins, Saline, Stevens, Sumner and Wyandotte. This level of damage qualifies Kansas for over $5.6 million in potential federal aid.

The lawmakers stressed that these disasters have imposed a significant financial burden on residents as they recover from the effects of the storms.

"We write today in support of Governor Laura Kelly’s request for a major disaster declaration for the State of Kansas following the severe thunderstorms, straight-line winds, tornadoes and flooding that occurred from July 17 through July 22, 2025. As Kansas is not unfamiliar to natural disasters, the result of these events resulted in drastic impacts to the communities affected. Federal support must be provided to assist our state in emergency response and restoration efforts."

They concluded: "We look forward to federal assistance made readily available, equipping both state and local governments with the resources needed to address the devastation caused by these severe storms."