Source: United States Senator for Kentucky Mitch McConnell
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor regarding the tornadoes in Western Kentucky:
“Kentucky is working to recover from the deadly storms and tornadoes. Each day brings new challenges.
“Tens of thousands are still dealing with water, gas, or power outages. Families are in shock and grief over the loss of loved ones.
“Rebuilding the areas of Kentucky leveled by this storm will take months, if not years, to complete.
“Amid this pain, though, bright lights of hope shine through. In the face of tragedy, Kentuckians are still as strong and as generous as we’ve always been.
“Yesterday I spoke with the Taylor County Judge-Executive. He told me that seventy families in his county had lost their homes in the storm. Emergency responders made shelters available — but folks were quickly taken in by family, friends, or neighbors.
“That’s just the kind of people we have in Kentucky.
“In Mayfield, residents are already beginning to rebuild, only days after the storm leveled full city blocks.
“Churches hosted Sunday services this past weekend.
“Locals brought their chainsaws and cleared debris from city roads. People from nearby counties and states have flooded in to help.
“One man, Jimmy Finch, has struck a chord with Americans’ heart across the country. He had no connections to Mayfield. He’s from Clarksville, Tennessee. But after the disaster, he borrowed a big meat smoker, got into his car, made the hour-and-a-half journey in the dead of night, and started serving up food the next morning.
“On Sunday morning, for hours, he fed chicken, hot links, and burgers to hungry residents who had been without heat or power for days.
“Western Kentucky’s radio and TV stations have kept operating throughout this crisis delivering vital information even amid roving power outages. State parks opened their doors to residents who lost their homes. Businesses, individuals, and charities have been generous with food, water, and shelter.
“Kentucky’s first responders are working hand-in-hand with FEMA to provide coordinated relief. Doctors, nurses, firefighters, and law enforcement officers are working through the night.
“Utility workers are making a herculean effort to restore power and water. Hundreds of Kentucky National Guardsmen have deployed to Western Kentucky to assist.
“And at Fort Campbell, the federal government has provided a critical lifeline of support: sixty-one generators, 74,000 meals, 135,000 liters of water, thousands of cots and blankets.
“I’m in close contact with Governor Beshear, our federal agencies, and local leaders. My staff and I have been in frequent touch with the White House.
“Kentucky will come back from this bigger and better than ever before. I will make sure the Senate provides all the assistance we can to make that a reality.”