Smith Joins Entire WA Delegation in Supporting Governor’s Request for Major Disaster Declaration to Unlock Individual Assistance for WA Flooding Victims

Smith Joins Entire WA Delegation in Supporting Governor's Request for Major Disaster Declaration to Unlock Individual Assistance for WA Flooding Victims

In December, the entire WA delegation in requesting expedited Emergency Declaration to unlock federal Army Corps & Coast Guard assistance with debris removal and emergency protective measures-that request was approved

***LETTER HERE***

Washington, D.C. - Today, U.S. Congressman Adam Smith joined Washington state's entire Congressional delegation in a letterto President Donald Trump urging him to approve Governor Bob Ferguson's requestfor a Major Disaster Declaration for Individual Assistance to unlock an estimated $21.3 million in federal FEMA resources for families whose homes were destroyed or significantly damaged in the extreme flooding that hit Washington state in December. A Major Disaster Declaration for Individual Assistance ensures that disaster survivors have access to a full range of authorized programs and services, including housing assistance, disaster case management, and crisis counseling. This is the first of two Major Disaster Declaration requests the Governor is expected to make in response to the December flooding; the second will be for funding to help repair Washington state's damaged infrastructure.

From early to mid-December, severe storms and devastating flooding battered Washington state, threatening lives, property, businesses, and livestock across the state. The flooding caused severe damagethat wreaked havoc in communities across Washington state, and is among the most devastatingnatural disasters to ever hit the state. Hundreds of thousands of people were evacuated from their homes, nearly 4,000 homes across 17 counties were affected by flooding, more than 11 percent of affected homes were destroyed or severely damaged, and thousands of homes will require significant repair or replacement.

"As members of the Washington state delegation, we write in support of Washington state's January 21, 2026 request for a Major Disaster Declaration for Individual Assistance due to devastating flood damages incurred from December 5 through December 22. The individual assistance requested by Governor Ferguson is essential for the thousands of Washingtonians whose homes were destroyed or significantly damaged," Smith and the other members of the delegation wrote. "We implore you to approve the request for assistance as quickly as possible."

Joining Representative Smith in the letter to President Trump were Senators Patty Murray (D-WA) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA), and U.S. Representatives Suzan DelBene (D, WA-01), Rick Larsen (D, WA-02), Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D, WA-03), Dan Newhouse (R, WA-04), Michael Baumgartner (R, WA-05), Emily Randall (D, WA-06), Pramila Jayapal (D, WA-07), Kim Schrier (D, WA-08), and Marilyn Strickland (D, WA-10).

"This system of 'atmospheric rivers' has brought torrential rain, wind, and snow to much of the region, resulting in record-breaking flooding and power outages for thousands of residents. Hundreds of communities were immediately at risk, forcing hundreds of thousands of Washingtonians across the state to evacuate, including the entire city of Burlington and Sedro-Woolley. In the city of Pacific, a breached levee left hundreds of homes vulnerable to floodwater. This storm claimed the life of one Washingtonian and has damaged the homes and livelihoods of many more," the Members continued.

"From the Olympic Peninsula to Central Washington, communities across the state experienced devastating losses. An initial assessment found that catastrophic flooding and devastating winds affected nearly 4,000 homes across 17 counties. More than eleven percent of affected homes were destroyed or severely damaged and thousands of residences will require significant repair or replacement," Smith and the delegation concluded. "While the state was able to provide some assistance for residents whose homes were severely impacted, it requires additional federal support to meet the need across the state."

If FEMA approves Individual Assistance as part of the major disaster declaration, the next step for residents is to apply directly with FEMA. Governor Ferguson's request currently includes Chelan, Grays Harbor, King, Lewis, Pacific, Pierce, Skagit, Snohomish, Thurston, and Whatcom counties, as well as 15 federally recognized Tribal nations.

Back in December, Smith joined Washington state's entire Congressional delegation in a letter to President Donald Trump urging him to approve Governor Ferguson's request for an expedited Emergency Declaration for the devastating storms and severe flooding hitting Washington state-that request was approved.

The full letter is available HEREand below:

Dear Mr. President,

As members of the Washington state delegation, we write in support of Washington state's January 21, 2026 request for a Major Disaster Declaration for Individual Assistance due to devastating flood damages incurred from December 5 through December 22. The individual assistance requested by Governor Ferguson is essential for the thousands of Washingtonians whose homes were destroyed or significantly damaged. We implore you to approve the request for assistance as quickly as possible.

This system of "atmospheric rivers" has brought torrential rain, wind, and snow to much of the region, resulting in record-breaking flooding and power outages for thousands of residents. Hundreds of communities were immediately at risk, forcing hundreds of thousands of Washingtonians across the state to evacuate, including the entire city of Burlington and Sedro-Woolley. In the city of Pacific, a breached levee left hundreds of homes vulnerable to floodwater. This storm claimed the life of one Washingtonian and has damaged the homes and livelihoods of many more.

From the Olympic Peninsula to Central Washington, communities across the state experienced devastating losses. An initial assessment found that catastrophic flooding and devastating winds affected nearly 4,000 homes across 17 counties. More than eleven percent of affected homes were destroyed or severely damaged and thousands of residences will require significant repair or replacement. While the state was able to provide some assistance for residents whose homes were severely impacted, it requires additional federal support to meet the need across the state.

We reiterate our full support for the January 21, 2026 request for a Presidential Disaster Declaration for Individual Assistance. We appreciate you in advance for your prompt attention to this urgent matter.

Sincerely,