WASHINGTON, D.C. — Kentucky’s entire congressional delegation has united in bipartisan fashion to ask President Donald Trump to approve Gov. Andy Beshear’s request that the president issue a major disaster declaration for the recent flood.

The state was covered by heavy rain beginning Feb. 14, which resulted in widespread flash flooding followed by widespread river flooding over the next four days. At least 8,000 homes and businesses have been either destroyed or heavily damaged, which doesn’t include thousands more that received minor or moderate damage.

President Trump has already signed a disaster declaration, but that only provides assistance to local governments in paying for their disaster response. By declaring a major disaster, that would make it possible for families impacted by the flood to receive individual assistance in rebuilding their lives.

A letter signed by Senators Mitch McConnell and Rand Paul and by Representatives Hal Rogers, Brett Gushtrie, James Comer, Andy Barr, Thomas Massie and Morgan McGarvey has been sent to President Trump asking for him to approve the declaration.

A copy of the letter is reprinted below: