Ever since President Donald Trump took office, he has worked tirelessly to deliver for rural communities. Unlike his predecessor, President Trump truly cares about farmers, ranchers, and families in southeast and south-central Missouri. While there are numerous things I could point to that underscore his commitment to rural Missourians, one recent example is his quick work to make available federal support for victims of the severe weather that devastated towns across southeast and south-central Missouri back in mid-March. It’s just another reason why I’ve always said the people of Missouri love President Trump.

The destruction caused by these storms was heartbreaking and left many communities in our region struggling to get back on their feet – something I saw firsthand while surveying damage. Local, state, and federal officials did a great job working together on response efforts. But it was very clear that due to the significant cost of the damage caused by the storms, federal resources were needed.

That’s why I, along with members of the Missouri delegation, wrote a letter to President Trump requesting he approve Governor Mike Kehoe’s disaster declaration in order to make available desperately needed federal assistance to support our state’s recovery efforts. I’m so thankful that President Trump moved quickly to approve the federal disaster declaration to help our state get the resources it needed – just as he promised me he would do when I spoke to him shortly after the storms.

I’ve also been very pleased with the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) ongoing efforts to help our communities rebuild. They set up Disaster Recovery Centers in several counties in southeast Missouri so that storm victims could get in-person assistance. FEMA has also partnered with the Small Business Administration to offer low-interest disaster loans to businesses, homeowners, and renters. Storm victims can learn more about what resources are available by visiting DisasterAssistance.gov, calling 800-621-3362, or downloading the FEMA App. As always, you can also contact my office for help; visit JasonSmith.house.gov to find the closest office to you.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem – who oversees FEMA – is doing a phenomenal job leading this agency. Under Biden, FEMA strayed from its original mission and was used by the Left as a political weapon. It was caught directing first responders to avoid visiting homes of storm victims who supported President Donald Trump’s presidential campaign. And last year, the agency gave New York City millions of dollars to purchase hotel rooms for illegal immigrants. I appreciate Secretary Noem for working tirelessly to make much-needed reforms to this agency, which had lost its focus under the previous administration.

I’m so grateful that we have a president who cares deeply about the farmers, workers, small businesses, and families in our state. Whether it’s helping our communities rebuild after severe storms, fighting for trade policies that put Americans first, delivering tax relief to the working class, or protecting programs like Social Security and Medicare, President Trump is a fearless advocate for the issues we care most about.