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Exclusive: Pence discusses federal relief that may be coming to Iowans hit by derecho

Vice President Mike Pence visited Iowa Thursday and met with farmers devastated by Monday's wind storm.

DES MOINES, Iowa — Three days after a derecho devastated Iowa families and farmers, Vice President Mike Pence made a stop in Iowa assuring farmers they had the support of the Trump administration. 

Pence helped launch the Farmers & Ranchers for Trump Coalition Thursday afternoon. 

"I know that in the summertime, the Iowa State Fairgrounds is usually a little busier, but these are no ordinary times in which we live," Pence said to the crowd gathered for the event. 

Pence started off his speech with a message to farmers hit hard by Monday's derecho. 

"On behalf of the president and myself, we want Iowans to know we are with you," Pence said. "We are going to stay with you, and we will work with your governor and your senators to make sure that we bring Iowa all the way back. Bigger and stronger than ever before."

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Local 5 spoke one-on-one with Vice President Pence. 

When asked if there would be federal assistance for farmers, Pence said the administration is willing to help if called upon. 

"We're going to make sure that all federal resources that are appropriate are made available for these families and move very quickly," Pence said. "We do anticipate that Gov. Reynolds will make a major disaster declaration request and I'm very confident that President Trump and our administration will process that quickly and we'll get support to families."

Pence also discussed when you might see additional unemployment benefits back in weekly claims and the November election. 

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Watch the full interview below.

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