Editor’s note: The following is a letter sent to leaders in Congress.

Dear Speaker John Boehner and Leader Nancy Pelosi,

On behalf of my constituents and local communities recovering from natural disasters that have hit southern Minnesota in the recent past, I write to urge a bipartisan solution to ensure that the Federal Emergency Management Agency is funded and can continue to assist rural communities in their efforts to respond to, and recover from, natural disasters.

My constituents believe that partisanship should not preclude Congress from funding FEMA at levels required to adequately serve our communities trying to rebuild from floods, tornadoes and hurricanes. There are communities in my district still waiting for FEMA funds, and unless we provide FEMA the resources it needs in a timely manner, southern Minnesota communities will suffer needlessly. For example, Zumbro Falls — recovering from last fall’s unexpected flooding — cannot move forward as quickly as they would like with their reconstruction efforts until FEMA funds are replenished.

I stand ready to support a common-sense compromise that will allow us to rebuild our communities hit by disaster. My constituents are frustrated with partisan gridlock in Washington and I share that frustration. The American people expect us to rise above partisanship and do what’s right for our country.

Thank you for your consideration and for your commitment to public service.

Tim Walz

U.S. representative

1st District, Minnesota

Mankato