Baldwin, Wisconsin Congressional Delegation Call for Trump Administration to Provide Federal Support Following Fox Valley Tornado

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and the entire bipartisan Wisconsin Congressional delegation called on the Trump Administration and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to support Wisconsin's request to assist the state in conducting a formal federal preliminary damage assessment as communities in the Fox Valley recover following the devastating tornado that struck the area. This damage assessment is an important step to unlocking federal disaster aid.

The tornado caused widespread destruction across Appleton, Menasha, Neenah, and Fox Crossing. It remained on the ground for more than 20 minutes, traveled approximately 12 miles, reached nearly one mile in width, and produced estimated winds of 136 to 165 miles per hour.

"The tornado ripped roofs from homes and businesses, hollowed out houses, reduced some structures to little more than their exterior walls, overturned vehicles, snapped trees, and brought down utility poles and power lines. Debris was scattered across neighborhoods and highways, roadways became impassable, families were displaced, and more than 30,000 homes and businesses lost power," wrote the lawmakers in a letter to FEMA Administrator Cameron Hamilton.

"Conducting a timely Joint Preliminary Damage Assessment is an essential first step in securing the federal support needed to help affected families, local governments, and communities recover and rebuild. We urge FEMA to begin work in partnership with Wisconsin Emergency Management as soon as possible so that this process can move forward without delay," added the lawmakers.

The lawmakers' call comes after Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers announced that he has directed Wisconsin Emergency Management (WEM) to submit a request for FEMA to assist the state in conducting a formal federal preliminary damage assessment of damage caused by severe storms on July 27, 2026.

Full text of the letter is available here.

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