NW Kansas News

U.S. Senator Jerry Moran of Kansas, along with other members of the Kansas congressional delegation, has called on President Trump to issue a major disaster declaration for the state following severe weather events that occurred from July 17 through July 22, 2025. The request comes after Kansas Governor Laura Kelly formally sought federal support on September 17, 2025.

In their letter to the president, the delegation wrote: "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 severe thunderstorms, straight-line winds, tornadoes and flooding caused significant damage across several counties in Kansas. According to surveys conducted after the storms, counties impacted include Barton, Comanche, Edwards, Ford, Hodgeman, Johnson, Logan, Marion, Morris, Ottawa, Pawnee, Rawlins, Saline, Stevens, Sumner and Wyandotte. The estimated total damages are about $7.6 million. This qualifies Kansas for more than $5.6 million in federal assistance funding.

The letter continued: "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."

The lawmakers emphasized their ongoing backing for Governor Kelly's appeal: "We, the Kansas Delegation, again strongly reiterate our fullest support for the Governor’s request," they stated. "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."

Senator Moran was joined by Senator Roger Marshall as well as Representatives Tracey Mann (KS-01), Derek Schmidt (KS-02), Sharice Davids (KS-03) and Ron Estes (KS-04) in signing onto this request.