Findings
Findings across disasters pool messaging from Core Democratic Officials only — whether each review scores Disaster Mention, Climate Connection, and Mentioned Republican Obstruction of Climate Action.
September 5, 2026: four missing disasters were added; obstruction went from 0 to 2. Coding used Cursor and ChatGPT — see How we code.
These findings are based on:
- 24 disasters
- 1261 official–disaster reviews
19 of 24 disasters with a completed impact pass 774 deaths $226.3 billion
Deaths and dollars sum each disaster’s latest completed impact pass (six-month or two-year). Five disasters do not yet have a six-month pass, so they are not in these totals. See Methods.
Findings tallies pool messaging from Core Democratic Officials across 24 disasters that met the catalog inclusion criteria. Each count uses only public statements in that disaster's five-day observation window.
How the denominator works
Disaster Mention, Climate Connection, and Mentioned Republican Obstruction of Climate Action are each a share of all official–disaster reviews. A climate or obstruction yes still requires naming this disaster in the window. Full rules: Methods.
Findings across disasters
Findings tallies across published disasters. Open a specific disaster for the full record — impacts, attribution, framing, and sources.
Tallies pool 1261 official–disaster reviews across 24 disasters.
For what this pattern reflects about the two parties, see Conclusion.
By disaster
Pacific Northwest Wildfires (July 2026)
Texas Hill Country Flash Floods (July 2026)
Canadian Fire Smoke (July 2026)
Eastern U.S. Heat Dome (June–July 2026)
Texas Hill Country Flash Floods (July 2025)
Six months after the disaster 139 deaths $18 billion
Eastern U.S. Heat Dome (June 2025)
Six months after the disaster 32 deaths Unknown
Mid-South / Ohio Valley Flooding (April 2025)
Six months after the disaster 24 deaths $4.1 billion
Eaton Fire (January 2025)
Six months after the disaster 19 deaths $28 billion
Palisades Fire (January 2025)
Six months after the disaster 12 deaths $37 billion
Hurricane Milton (October 2024) — Florida Gulf Coast
Six months after the disaster 39 deaths $34.3 billion
Hurricane Helene (September 2024) — Southeast / Southern Appalachians
Six months after the disaster 250 deaths $78.7 billion
Hurricane Francine (September 2024) — Louisiana
Six months after the disaster 0 deaths $1.3 billion
Hurricane Beryl (July 2024) — Texas Gulf Coast
Two years after the disaster 48 deaths $7.2 billion
South Fork / Salt Fires (June 2024) — Ruidoso
Two years after the disaster 2 deaths $1.8 billion (NCEI, New Mexico wildfires June 2024)
Smokehouse Creek Fire (February 2024) — Texas Panhandle
Two years after the disaster 2 deaths $123 million
Tropical Storm Ophelia (September 2023) — North Carolina / Mid-Atlantic
Two years after the disaster 0 deaths $450 million
Hurricane Lee (September 2023) — New England
Two years after the disaster 4 deaths $50 million
Hurricane Idalia (August 2023) — Florida Big Bend / Georgia
Two years after the disaster 12 deaths $3.6 billion
Tropical Storm Hilary (August 2023) — Southern California / Southwest
Two years after the disaster 1 death $900 million
Lahaina Wildfire (August 2023)
Two years after the disaster 102 deaths $7 billion
Vermont & Northeast Flash Floods (July 2023)
Two years after the disaster 2 deaths $620 million
Canadian Wildfire Smoke (June 2023)
Two years after the disaster 86 deaths $2.1 billion
Fort Lauderdale / South Florida Floods (April 2023)
Two years after the disaster 0 deaths $1.1 billion
Democratic messaging evidence
In-window statements from Core Democratic Officials only — quotable evidence behind the tallies above.
-
Brian Schatz
On Wednesday, August 19, 2026, Schatz announced U.S. DOT approval of $6 million in Emergency Relief “quick release” funds after his Sunday call to Secretary Sean Duffy: "This will help Hawaiʻi move quickly from emergency response to recovery and get our communities back on their…
- Disaster Mention yes
- Climate Connection no
- Mentioned Policy yes
- Mentioned Republican Obstruction of Climate Action no
-
Brian Schatz
On Hawaii News Now Spotlight Now (Tuesday, August 18, 2026), Schatz discussed Lala damage assessments and an anticipated federal disaster declaration. Hawaii News Now reported that he warned Hurricane Lala and recent Kona low storms are evidence that severe weather is worsening …
- Disaster Mention yes
- Climate Connection yes
- Mentioned Policy yes
- Mentioned Republican Obstruction of Climate Action no
-
Mazie Hirono
On X, Monday, August 17, 2026, Hirono wrote: "My team and I have been closely monitoring the damage from Lala. As we begin our recovery efforts, I'm committed to assisting state and county partners in identifying and accessing any federal resources that are needed to help impact…
- Disaster Mention yes
- Climate Connection no
- Mentioned Policy partial
- Mentioned Republican Obstruction of Climate Action no
-
Brian Schatz
On Sunday, August 16, 2026, Schatz spoke with U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy about federal support as Hawaii recovered from Tropical Storm Lala and urged Duffy to approve a forthcoming state request for emergency funding to clear debris and repair damaged roads and hig…
- Disaster Mention yes
- Climate Connection no
- Mentioned Policy yes
- Mentioned Republican Obstruction of Climate Action no
-
Patty Murray
On Aug. 4, 2026, Sen. Murray spoke on the Senate floor after the President partially approved Gov. Ferguson's expedited emergency declaration for Spokane-area wildfires. She cited 700+ structures destroyed, 67,000 evacuated, and pledged as Appropriations vice chair to pursue "ev…
- Disaster Mention yes
- Climate Connection no
- Mentioned Republican Obstruction of Climate Action no
-
Maria Cantwell
Co-signed the Aug. 3, 2026 bipartisan Washington delegation letter to President Trump supporting Gov. Ferguson's expedited emergency declaration for devastating wildfires in Central and Eastern Washington (same letter as Murray primary). "Large and fast-moving wildfires are burn…
- Disaster Mention yes
- Climate Connection partial
- Mentioned Republican Obstruction of Climate Action no
-
Patty Murray
On Aug. 3, 2026, Sen. Murray led Washington's entire congressional delegation in a letter to President Trump urging approval of Gov. Ferguson's expedited emergency declaration for Spokane-area fires (Old Trails, Autumn Lane, Fairview). "Large and fast-moving wildfires are burnin…
- Disaster Mention yes
- Climate Connection partial
- Mentioned Republican Obstruction of Climate Action no
-
Ed Markey
In a Jul. 18, 2026 letter to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, Sen. Ed Markey wrote: "As smoke from wildfires in Canada crosses our northern border, threatening public health and the economy across the Midwest and Eastern United States, I write wit…
- Disaster Mention yes
- Climate Connection yes
- Mentioned Policy yes
- Mentioned Republican Obstruction of Climate Action partial
-
Mark Warner
On X (July 17, 2026): "Virginia, much of our Commonwealth is experiencing hazy skies and poor air quality today… and it could last all the way through the weekend. Those with heart disease, lung disease, asthma, and other complicating health issues should stay indoors. Everyone …
- Disaster Mention yes
- Climate Connection no
- Mentioned Policy no
- Mentioned Republican Obstruction of Climate Action no
-
Amy Klobuchar
On X (July 16, 2026): "Air quality is now hazardous across most of the state — with records of wildfire smoke set in Duluth, Grand Portage, and the Twin Cities. Check on your neighbors and above all, stay safe, Minnesota."
- Disaster Mention yes
- Climate Connection no
- Mentioned Policy no
- Mentioned Republican Obstruction of Climate Action no
-
Bernie Sanders
In a July 16 interview with The Detroit News (ahead of a Michigan tour for U.S. Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed), Sanders called the smoke a "manifestation" of climate change, which he labeled a crisis. "This is exactly what climate scientists have predicted for decades," he sai…
- Disaster Mention yes
- Climate Connection yes
- Mentioned Policy partial
- Mentioned Republican Obstruction of Climate Action no
-
Sheldon Whitehouse
On July 2, 2026 (Bluesky @whitehouse.senate.gov), Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse posted: "Feeling the Heat? Europe's heat wave was so intense that in a stable preindustrial environment … it would have been the kind of freak event the region could expect about once every 26,000 years. F…
- Disaster Mention no
- Climate Connection no
- Mentioned Republican Obstruction of Climate Action no
-
Dick Durbin
On the Senate floor (Jul 8, 2025), Durbin offered condolences for the Central Texas flash floods: "I know I speak for millions of Americans when I say we are heartbroken over the flash floods that devastated Central Texas this past weekend. Early Friday morning, while most were …
- Disaster Mention yes
- Climate Connection no
- Mentioned Policy partial
- Mentioned Republican Obstruction of Climate Action no
-
Chris Murphy
In a video posted to X, Sen. Chris Murphy tied the disaster to the administration's cuts: "There are some serious questions about the impact of President Trump's assault on NOAA, the National Weather Service, and FEMA, and whether it made these floods more deadly. We aren't doin…
- Disaster Mention yes
- Climate Connection no
- Mentioned Policy partial
- Mentioned Republican Obstruction of Climate Action partial
-
Hakeem Jeffries
Posting on X on Monday, July 7, 2025, Jeffries condemned Republican threats to attach conditions to disaster aid: "Republicans spent months threatening to condition disaster assistance to devastated communities. That behavior was disgraceful. Our job is to help everyone in need."
- Disaster Mention yes
- Climate Connection no
- Mentioned Policy partial
- Mentioned Republican Obstruction of Climate Action partial
-
Chuck Schumer
On July 7, 2025, Schumer sent a letter to the Commerce Department Acting Inspector General demanding an investigation into whether staffing shortfalls at NWS offices worsened the Texas disaster: "I urge your office to immediately investigate whether the staffing shortfalls at NW…
- Disaster Mention yes
- Climate Connection partial
- Mentioned Policy yes
- Mentioned Republican Obstruction of Climate Action partial
-
Ed Markey
January 10, 2025 (@SenMarkey): “Los Angeles is on fire. Donald Trump says drill baby drill and stop wind and solar. He will add fuel to the fire.” Same day: “Republicans say that we can’t afford a Green New Deal. What we really can’t afford is to sacrifice our lives, homes, and …
- Disaster Mention yes
- Climate Connection yes
- Mentioned Republican Obstruction of Climate Action yes
-
Elizabeth Warren
January 11, 2025 (X @ewarren): Warren asked followers to split a donation between the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation and United Way of Greater Los Angeles for communities affected by the LA wildfires, via ActBlue Charities. Relief/fundraising framing; no climate attribut…
- Disaster Mention yes
- Climate Connection no
- Mentioned Republican Obstruction of Climate Action no
-
Chuck Schumer
Senate floor, January 9, 2025: Schumer said "our prayers are with the people of Southern California impacted by the wildfires," urged rapid disaster aid, and added: "the fact that the worst wildfire in Los Angeles history should happen in the dead of winter is another warning of…
- Disaster Mention yes
- Climate Connection yes
- Mentioned Republican Obstruction of Climate Action no
-
Pete Aguilar
January 8, 2025 — House Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar signed the bipartisan California delegation letter to President Biden supporting a major disaster declaration for the Palisades, Eaton, Franklin, and Hurst fires and the ongoing windstorm in Los Angeles County. The let…
- Disaster Mention yes
- Climate Connection no
- Mentioned Republican Obstruction of Climate Action no
-
Bernie Sanders
January 8, 2025 (X @BernieSanders): "80,000 people told to evacuate. Blazes 0% contained. Eight months since the area has seen rain. The scale of damage and loss is unimaginable. Climate change is real, not 'a hoax.' Donald Trump must treat this like the existential crisis it is…
- Disaster Mention yes
- Climate Connection yes
- Mentioned Republican Obstruction of Climate Action no
-
Adam Schiff
January 8, 2025 — Senator Adam Schiff (with Senator Padilla) led the California delegation letter to President Biden supporting a major disaster declaration for the Palisades, Eaton, Franklin, and Hurst fires in Los Angeles County. (schiff.senate.gov)
- Disaster Mention yes
- Climate Connection no
- Mentioned Republican Obstruction of Climate Action no
-
Alex Padilla
January 8, 2025 — Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff led 47 bipartisan California delegation members urging President Biden to grant Governor Newsom's major disaster declaration for the Palisades, Eaton, Franklin, and Hurst fires and the ongoing windstorm in Los Angeles Count…
- Disaster Mention yes
- Climate Connection no
- Mentioned Republican Obstruction of Climate Action no
-
Hakeem Jeffries
January 8, 2025 statement: "Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone in the path of the horrific wildfires in Los Angeles County. House Democrats stand ready to support the response effort in any way possible. We are grateful to the firefighters and first responders..." (jeffr…
- Disaster Mention yes
- Climate Connection no
- Mentioned Republican Obstruction of Climate Action no
-
Raphael Warnock
In Augusta on September 30, 2024, Warnock said: “My heart is with the people of Augusta and this entire region. Much of the southeast has been devastated in the wake of Hurricane Helene. It’s the human toll I am focused on most of all. I’m here to reassure the people of this reg…
- Disaster Mention yes
- Climate Connection no
- Mentioned Policy yes
- Mentioned Republican Obstruction of Climate Action no
-
Jon Ossoff
September 30, 2024: Ossoff led Georgia’s congressional delegation, including Sen. Warnock, in a letter to President Biden: “We write to convey full support for Governor Brian Kemp’s request for an expedited major disaster declaration for the counties in the State of Georgia sign…
- Disaster Mention yes
- Climate Connection no
- Mentioned Policy yes
- Mentioned Republican Obstruction of Climate Action no
-
Elizabeth Warren
On Facebook (Sep 30, 2024), Warren wrote: "I'm heartsick for the families who lost their homes and their loved ones to Hurricane Helene. It's a sad reality that this hurricane rapidly intensified into a powerful Category 4 storm because of climate change. We must do more to conf…
- Disaster Mention yes
- Climate Connection yes
- Mentioned Policy no
- Mentioned Republican Obstruction of Climate Action no
-
Mark Warner
Warner, Kaine, and Rep. Morgan Griffith (R-VA) wrote President Biden on September 30, 2024: “We write today to express our strong support for Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin’s request for an expedited Major Disaster Declaration for the Commonwealth of Virginia due to the impact…
- Disaster Mention yes
- Climate Connection no
- Mentioned Policy yes
- Mentioned Republican Obstruction of Climate Action no
-
Tim Kaine
After meeting Virginians in Damascus, Marion, and Galax on Sep. 30, 2024, Kaine said: "My heart breaks for everyone affected by this devastating storm. I'm grateful to the first responders... I'm glad that President Biden heeded the call of my colleagues and me for an emergency …
- Disaster Mention yes
- Climate Connection no
- Mentioned Policy yes
- Mentioned Republican Obstruction of Climate Action no
-
Jon Ossoff
Office release, September 29, 2024: after surveying Hurricane Helene damage in South Georgia the day before, Ossoff spoke again that morning with FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell “about disaster response and recovery efforts in Georgia.” He “conveyed to Admin. Criswell the sev…
- Disaster Mention yes
- Climate Connection no
- Mentioned Policy yes
- Mentioned Republican Obstruction of Climate Action no
-
Peter Welch
On the evening of September 11, 2024 (office release dated September 12: “last night”), Welch spoke on the Senate floor for supplemental disaster aid. He named this storm: “Louisiana right now is bracing for the worst as Hurricane Francine moves onshore. Our prayers of Vermont a…
- Disaster Mention yes
- Climate Connection no
- Mentioned Policy yes
- Mentioned Republican Obstruction of Climate Action no
-
Bernie Sanders
On July 12, 2024, Sanders issued “Vermont Suffers Another Flood”: this week’s flooding in Barre, Plainfield, Lyndonville, Richmond, Williamstown, Bolton, Moretown, and other towns; more than 100 rescues; at least two dead. He said his office was in touch with FEMA, Gov. Scott, S…
- Disaster Mention yes
- Climate Connection no
- Mentioned Policy no
- Mentioned Republican Obstruction of Climate Action no
-
Peter Welch
On July 12, 2024, Welch toured flood damage in Moretown, Plainfield, and Barre “from the remnants of Tropical Storm Beryl.” Quoted: “our hearts go out to every Vermonter who is impacted by this week’s flooding.” He named Dylan Kempton and John Rice, who died in the flood. Relief…
- Disaster Mention yes
- Climate Connection no
- Mentioned Policy no
- Mentioned Republican Obstruction of Climate Action no
-
Peter Welch
On July 11, 2024, Welch convened a Senate Agriculture subcommittee hearing on rural emergency response. His office said the hearing fell on the one-year anniversary of the 2023 Vermont floods “and on a day when areas across Vermont received more torrential rain and flooding as t…
- Disaster Mention yes
- Climate Connection no
- Mentioned Policy yes
- Mentioned Republican Obstruction of Climate Action no
-
Peter Welch
On July 10, 2024, Welch spoke on the Senate floor marking the one-year anniversary of the 2023 Vermont floods. He also named this storm: "We're expecting more rain this week. The remnants of Hurricane Beryl could cause flooding again tonight." He pointed colleagues to "the recen…
- Disaster Mention yes
- Climate Connection no
- Mentioned Policy yes
- Mentioned Republican Obstruction of Climate Action no
-
Ben Ray Luján
On Friday, June 21, 2024, Luján visited Roswell, Ruidoso, and the Mescalero Apache Reservation with Heinrich. Quoted: "Today, Senator Heinrich and I stood shoulder to shoulder with our community in Southeastern New Mexico. Not only did we see the heart-wrenching destruction thes…
- Disaster Mention yes
- Climate Connection no
- Mentioned Policy no
- Mentioned Republican Obstruction of Climate Action no
-
Martin Heinrich
On Friday, June 21, 2024, Heinrich visited shelters and the Ruidoso emergency operations center with Luján. Quoted: "These fires have already had devastating impacts on thousands of New Mexicans and continue to threaten beloved communities. I am so grateful for the wildland fire…
- Disaster Mention yes
- Climate Connection no
- Mentioned Policy no
- Mentioned Republican Obstruction of Climate Action no
-
Ben Ray Luján
On June 19, 2024, Luján co-signed the same New Mexico delegation letter asking President Biden to approve a major disaster declaration for the South Fork and Salt fires. The letter named more than 1,400 homes and businesses destroyed, more than 8,000 people evacuated, two fatali…
- Disaster Mention yes
- Climate Connection no
- Mentioned Policy yes
- Mentioned Republican Obstruction of Climate Action no
-
Martin Heinrich
On June 19, 2024, Heinrich co-signed the New Mexico delegation letter asking President Biden to approve Governor Lujan Grisham's major-disaster request for the South Fork and Salt fires. Quoted: "Since June 17, 2024, the South Fork Fire and the Salt Fire in New Mexico have destr…
- Disaster Mention yes
- Climate Connection no
- Mentioned Policy yes
- Mentioned Republican Obstruction of Climate Action no
-
Martin Heinrich
On June 18, 2024, Heinrich spoke on the Senate floor before a bump-stock unanimous-consent request. Quoted: "I want to start by acknowledging the South Fork and Salt Fires that have forced thousands to flee their homes in Lincoln County, New Mexico and the Mescalero Apache Natio…
- Disaster Mention yes
- Climate Connection no
- Mentioned Policy no
- Mentioned Republican Obstruction of Climate Action no
-
Raphael Warnock
August 31, 2023 letter to President Biden (Warnock and Ossoff): urged expedited federal disaster recovery assistance for Georgia counties impacted by Hurricane Idalia, citing extensive damage in Valdosta and across south Georgia.
- Disaster Mention yes
- Climate Connection no
- Mentioned Republican Obstruction of Climate Action no
-
Jon Ossoff
August 31, 2023 letter to President Biden (Warnock and Ossoff): following Hurricane Idalia's passage through southern Georgia, urged expedited federal disaster assistance if Gov. Kemp requests it; cited Valdosta damage, power outages, and agricultural losses including pecan crop…
- Disaster Mention yes
- Climate Connection no
- Mentioned Republican Obstruction of Climate Action no
-
Mazie Hirono
August 10, 2023 NPR/HPR interview: Hirono described Lahaina as a historic town "pretty much burned to the ground," ongoing search-and-rescue, and Biden's major disaster declaration unlocking federal aid. Relief and recovery framing; no climate attribution.
- Disaster Mention yes
- Climate Connection no
- Mentioned Republican Obstruction of Climate Action no
-
Brian Schatz
August 9, 2023 senate.gov: “These fires are absolutely devastating, and we will not know the full extent of the damage for a while. In the meantime, the highest priority is the safety of the people.” Schatz said he had been in touch with the White House, DHS, and Hawaii official…
- Disaster Mention yes
- Climate Connection no
- Mentioned Republican Obstruction of Climate Action no
-
Bernie Sanders
July 14, 2023 Vermont Public interview: Sanders described Barre and Montpelier flood damage ("I've never seen anything like it"), urged relief for devastated homeowners and small businesses, and said climate change is "very real" with "unprecedented weather disturbances" beyond …
- Disaster Mention yes
- Climate Connection yes
- Mentioned Republican Obstruction of Climate Action no
-
Peter Welch
July 12, 2023, FEMA briefing with Gov. Scott and the Vermont delegation (WAMC): Welch said he had asked NOAA about climate and this flood. “The warmer weather, particularly over the ocean, that then comes across the country means that there’s much, much more moisture in the air.…
- Disaster Mention yes
- Climate Connection yes
- Mentioned Republican Obstruction of Climate Action no
-
Bernie Sanders
July 10, 2023 senate.gov: “Sanders Statement on Extreme Flooding in Vermont.” Dangerous, life-threatening rain and flooding; damage to homes, public buildings, dams and roads; need for federal assistance. Disaster mention. No climate attribution in this release. Climate yes is t…
- Disaster Mention yes
- Climate Connection no
- Mentioned Republican Obstruction of Climate Action no
-
Peter Welch
July 10, 2023 press release: Welch urged Vermonters to avoid floodwaters, follow NWS warnings, and evacuate if necessary; thanked first responders; pledged to work with Sanders, Balint, and Gov. Scott on safety and rebuilding.
- Disaster Mention yes
- Climate Connection no
- Mentioned Republican Obstruction of Climate Action no
-
Angus King
June 8, 2023 senate.gov: “As much of the country feels the impacts of Canadian wildfires,” Sen. King pressed Interior’s Jeffrey Rupert at the Energy and Natural Resources hearing to increase federal forest harvest, calling overstock and “junk wood” the problem. He argued fires r…
- Disaster Mention yes
- Climate Connection no
- Mentioned Republican Obstruction of Climate Action no
-
Ed Markey
June 8, 2023 Senate floor: Markey spoke as Canadian wildfire smoke blanketed the Northeast and D.C. He asked when New York or Philadelphia last experienced smoke "of this magnitude," said climate change made the pattern "more frequent and more intense," and declared: "This isn't…
- Disaster Mention yes
- Climate Connection yes
- Mentioned Republican Obstruction of Climate Action no
-
Chuck Schumer
June 7–8, 2023 Senate floor: Schumer said the U.S. suffered "some of the worst wildfire air pollution in the entire history of our country" from 400+ Quebec fires. "To walk through New York City yesterday was to walk on another planet — the orange fog of wildfire smoke left our …
- Disaster Mention yes
- Climate Connection yes
- Mentioned Republican Obstruction of Climate Action no
-
Jeff Merkley
June 7–8, 2023, official X quoted by NPI: “Wide swaths of the U.S. are feeling impacts from Canadian wildfires. As Oregonians know all too well, large wildfires are huge threats to air quality — and I hope this finally shines a national spotlight on an issue folks in my state ha…
- Disaster Mention yes
- Climate Connection no
- Mentioned Republican Obstruction of Climate Action no
-
Bernie Sanders
June 7, 2023, official X (@SenSanders): “Right now, 98 MILLION people on the East Coast are under air quality alerts from Canadian fires and, last night, NYC had the worst air quality in the world. Climate change makes wildfires more frequent and widespread. If we do nothing, th…
- Disaster Mention yes
- Climate Connection yes
- Mentioned Republican Obstruction of Climate Action no