WASHINGTON, DC -- Kentucky's Congressional Delegation, led by Dean of the House Hal Rogers, sent a letter to President Donald J. Trump on Tuesday in support of Governor Andy Beshear's request for an Expedited Major Disaster Declaration, as a result of deadly flooding across Kentucky that began on February 14, 2025. U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell, U.S. Senator Rand Paul and U.S. Representatives Hal Rogers, Brett Guthrie, James Comer, Andy Barr, Thomas Massie and Morgan McGarvey signed onto the joint letter expressing support for the entire Commonwealth.

"The storm triggered significant flooding, landslides and mudslides, causing extensive damage to both state and local infrastructure, and tragically claiming at least 14 lives. While precise damage assessments cannot be completed at this time due to ongoing high floodwaters in affected areas, it is estimated that more than 8,000 homes and businesses have been either destroyed or severely damaged," the letter stated. "The Commonwealth is currently forecasted to receive more inclement weather in the coming days, further complicating the response and recovery."

President Trump swiftly approved Governor Beshear's previous request for an emergency disaster declaration over the weekend, providing federal resources for state and local emergency response. The emergency declaration authorized the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to coordinate disaster relief efforts during the early hours of the disaster. 

The upgraded request for an Expedited Major Disaster Declaration would extend federal assistance to all impacted counties that meet the threshold for public and individual assistance. 

Click here to download the letter.

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