Schmitt Leads Missouri Lawmakers in Letter Supporting Governor’s Disaster Declaration Request Following Devastating Floods

U.S. SENATE — Today, U.S. Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO) led Missouri lawmakers in sending a letter to President Trump supporting Governor Mike Kehoe’s disaster declaration request following the widespread flooding that devastated communities across southern Missouri from July 9 to July 11, 2026. “We write in strong support of Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe’s July 28, 2026, request for a major disaster declaration following the devastating storms that took place in Missouri from July 9th through July 11th of this year,” the lawmakers began. “Beginning late on July 9th, a series of slow-moving thunderstorms produced torrential rainfall in some areas across south-central and southeastern Missouri, equivalent to a 1-in-1,000-year event according to the National Weather Service… Floodwaters overwhelmed campgrounds and farms, washed out critical access routes, and forced emergency crews to evacuate families and children. Once again, Missouri’s first responders more than answered the call of duty. In dark and dangerous conditions, these heroes worked around the clock to evacuate residents and visitors…” the lawmakers continued. “As you are aware, Missouri has repeatedly been faced with natural disasters in recent years. In 2025 alone, Missouri received five federally declared disasters—the most of any state—and in 2026, this trend has not changed. Today, Missouri is requesting its third disaster declaration of the year, already holding a declaration for storms that occurred from April 23rd through April 28th. To make matters worse, many communities affected by the July storms were still recovering from these previous disasters, compounding losses and stretching local capacity further beyond its limits… As such, we respectfully urge you to direct your administration to promptly review Governor Kehoe’s major disaster declaration request for the July 9 through July 11 storms and submit it for your approval,” the lawmakers concluded. Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO), Congressman Jason Smith (MO-08), and Congresswoman Ann Wagner (MO-2) joined Senator Schmitt in sending the letter. Read the full letter HERE . ###