JANESVILLE, Wis. – Congressman Bryan Steil (WI-01) is leading Wisconsin’s entire congressional delegation in calling on President Donald Trump to approve a Major Disaster Declaration following historic flooding earlier this month. The request, if granted, would unlock federal aid to help families, businesses, and communities recover.

The storms of August 9–10 brought record rainfall to the Milwaukee region, swamping neighborhoods, flooding basements, and leaving millions of dollars in damages. Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers declared a state of emergency on August 11, and state officials quickly began working with federal partners to secure assistance.

Steil said he contacted the White House and FEMA immediately after the storms, urging swift action. He followed up with letters to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and FEMA leaders in the days after the flooding.

“I am committed to helping Wisconsin families access the resources they need to recover from this disaster,” Steil said. “I will continue working with the President, my colleagues, and local leaders to ensure our community receives the support it needs as quickly as possible to recover from this storm.”

Timeline of actions
– Aug. 9–10: Historic rainfall causes severe flooding in the Milwaukee area.
– Aug. 10: Steil contacts the White House and FEMA requesting federal assistance.
– Aug. 11: Wisconsin declares a state of emergency.
– Aug. 13: Wisconsin formally requests federal disaster assistance from FEMA.
– Aug. 14: Steil and his colleagues send a letter to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem.
– Aug. 15: Steil leads the Wisconsin delegation in urging FEMA to conduct an expedited preliminary damage assessment.

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What a disaster declaration means
A Major Disaster Declaration would make available federal recovery programs for individuals and local governments, including housing assistance, repair funding, and public infrastructure support. Without the declaration, Wisconsin must rely solely on state and local resources to manage recovery.

Past declarations in Wisconsin
Wisconsin has received disaster declarations several times in recent history. In 2017, Kenosha, Racine, and Walworth counties were approved after flooding caused widespread damage to homes and roads. In 2008, then-Governor Jim Doyle secured federal disaster assistance following severe storms and flooding across much of the state, one of the costliest disasters in Wisconsin history. These past declarations helped homeowners rebuild, covered millions in public infrastructure repairs, and provided grants for hazard mitigation.

Steil, a Janesville Republican, said bipartisan cooperation was crucial in making the current request. The full Wisconsin delegation signed on, underscoring the broad support for federal help.

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