Kelly, Bipartisan Group of Arizona Delegation Members Urge Trump to Reverse FEMA Disaster Aid Denial

Today, Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), alongside Representatives Greg Stanton (D-AZ-04), Eli Crane (R-AZ-02), Andy Biggs (R-AZ-05), Adelita Grijalva (D-AZ-07), and Yassamin Ansari (D-AZ-03), called on the Administration to reverse its denial of a Major Disaster Declaration for Gila and Mohave Counties following catastrophic flooding that impacted the region in September 2025.

In a letter addressed to President Trump, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Mullin, and Acting Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) Administrator Fenton, the lawmakers demanded an explanation for this devastating decision, which prevents the approval of critically needed federal disaster funding to help communities recover from these tragic storms.

"Central Arizona experienced historic rainfall and catastrophic flooding between September 25 and 27, 2025, that decimated public infrastructure and forced more than 180 residents to seek emergency shelter. The storms destroyed entire neighborhoods in Globe, Miami, Claypool, Hayden, and Winkelman, and compromised access to essential services including potable water, power, and wastewater systems," wrote the lawmakers.

FEMA initially denied Arizona's request after preliminary estimates put total losses at over $33 million. Updated assessments have documented more than $100 million in damages, far exceeding both the original estimate and the state's ability to recover on its own. Given these revised damage estimates, Governor Hobbs then appealed FEMA's initial decision.

Last week, FEMA denied that appeal.

"As Gila and Mohave Counties continue rebuilding public infrastructure and preparing for the flooding risks that accompany each monsoon season, it is essential that affected communities have a clear understanding of how your decision was reached for both the original request and appeal," continued the lawmakers.

The members are demanding a briefing and detailed written responses by August 7, 2026, pressing FEMA to explain how its decision was reached-including what damage assessments were considered, whether career staff's technical recommendations were followed, how Arizona's fiscal capacity was measured against verified losses, and whether the denial was based on the original or updated damage figures.

"Transparency throughout FEMA's decision-making process is critical both for the communities recovering from these catastrophic floods and for state officials planning for future disasters," concluded the lawmakers.

Click here to read the full text of the letter.