Executive Calendar

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. McCONNELL. Madam President, Eastern Kentucky is reeling, reeling from some of the worst flooding in our State's history. The area is still experiencing rainfall today. This horrible, tragic crisis is far from over.

In Jackson, waters reached 43-\1/2\ feet high, breaking an 83-year- old record. Drone footage shows whole towns completely submerged. Roadways have turned into rivers. Rising waters have reached rooftops. Across more than a dozen counties, severe rainstorms have created crisis conditions. Water rose too quickly for many to react, with tragic consequences.

The Governor has confirmed that, so far, 35 people have lost their lives amid flash floods, including children, and I think that number is likely to rise in the coming days. Even the families who were lucky enough to get out unscathed have lost homes, businesses, and heirlooms. In many communities, the waterlogged destruction is absolute.

Eastern Kentucky is well known for its steep hilltops, rolling forests, and deep hollers. Those features, which make the region one of the most unique in the country, also create complications for emergency personnel. Our heroic first responders, including the National Guard from Kentucky and surrounding States, are working overtime to find and recover stranded residents. They have rescued more than 1,400 individuals since floodwaters hit. Nearly half of the rescues were by air.

Late last week, I joined with every member of Kentucky's congressional delegation to support the Governor's request to the President for a major disaster declaration to give our first responders Federal help. President Biden issued that declaration promptly, and resources are already flowing into the Commonwealth to assist local emergency personnel. The President called me the other day, as well as Secretary Mayorkas and FEMA Director Criswell. We are deeply grateful to them all for their speedy action.

Director Criswell traveled to Kentucky last week and has been on the ground assisting with recovery efforts directly. My staff in Southeastern Kentucky are in close touch with local officials in the area, providing all the help we can. I will visit the affected communities myself in the coming days to meet with constituents and offer support.

Unthinkably painful stories continue to come to us out of Eastern Kentucky. However, we have also heard moving reminders of Kentuckians' selflessness. Last December, the city of Mayfield, in the western part of Kentucky, was devastated by tornadoes. The town lost its fire station in that storm. But despite their own challenges, last week, the Mayfield Fire Department filled an ambulance with equipment and rushed to Eastern Kentucky to aid relief efforts. They didn't have to think twice before helping fellow Kentuckians.

We saw generosity all across the affected region. Residents with boats, jet skis, and kayaks put their own lives at risk to rescue their neighbors. Schools, churches, parks, and businesses opened their doors to displaced families. As one resident put it over the weekend, no matter what, Eastern Kentuckians ``help each other.''

So I am monitoring the situation closely and doing all I can to assist. Kentucky leaders on both sides of the political aisle are working together to coordinate further Federal aid. I am thankful to everyone who sprang into action to help with the rescue efforts, whether they were professional first responders or just Good Samaritans.

And I am thankful for the help our State has already received from FEMA. Their continued assistance will be vital for rebuilding in the months ahead. Eastern Kentucky has been devastated by these floods. Our recovery process will take months and, in some places, literally years. But I know we will bounce back. Kentucky has faced challenges before, and we always, always overcome.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source