Nebraska, Tennessee Seek Federal Disaster Declarations

Nebraska and Tennessee officials have urged President Donald Trump to grant major disaster declarations following severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding that struck Nebraska in March and Tennessee in early April. Nebraska's congressional delegation reported over $64.8 million in damages, mainly to utilities, after a destructive March blizzard and thunderstorms, and referenced FEMA's prior denial of similar requests in states like Arkansas. In Tennessee, Governor Bill Lee and the entire congressional delegation requested federal aid for storms that caused 10 deaths and significant property and infrastructure losses. President Trump has already approved an emergency declaration for Tennessee, but both states are seeking broader major disaster declarations to access additional FEMA assistance. The requested aid would support home repairs, rental assistance, public infrastructure repairs, and reimbursements for emergency and debris removal expenses. Approval of the disaster declarations remains pending.