Peters, Slotkin, Walberg, Huizenga Urge President Trump to Provide Assistance to Michigan Communities Impacted by Deadly Tornadoes

WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senators Gary Peters (D-MI) and Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), along with U.S. Representatives Tim Walberg (R-MI-05) and Bill Huizenga (R-MI-04), are calling on President Trump to declare a Major Disaster for Southwest Michigan following the deadly tornadoes in early March. In their letter, the lawmakers supported Governor Gretchen Whitmer's request for assistance for Branch, Cass, and St. Joseph Counties.

"On March 6, 2026, four tornadoes impacted the counties of Branch, Cass, St. Joseph and the surrounding area, tragically resulting in the loss of four lives, making this the deadliest tornado incident in Michigan in five decades," the lawmakers wrote. "This horrible disaster also destroyed businesses, created significant power outages for residents and critical infrastructure like hospitals and dispatch centers, displaced residents from their now-uninhabitable homes, and left considerable debris in its wake."

The lawmakers continued: "The state, county, and local governments stepped up to meet this disaster with all available resources and authorities. Emergency first responders including brave volunteers, EMS, Michigan Task Force 1, and the Michigan State Police have been working on the ground since the event, providing lifesaving assistance despite communication disruptions. However, federal assistance will also be required to help the community fully recover."

"We write to support Governor Whitmer's recent request for a Major Disaster declaration, including activation of all Individual Assistance programs, for the counties of Branch, Cass, and St. Joseph in addition to Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funding," continued the lawmakers. "We ask that you approve this declaration as soon as possible to direct federal resources towards the site of destruction caused by four tornadoes ranging from EF-0 to EF-3, which significantly damaged homes and businesses in the area."

Text of the letter is available here.

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