As Flooding Threat Continues, Federal Help Will be Key to Kentucky’s Recovery
‘The federal government has done an excellent job so far, but the crisis is far from over. Soon I’ll visit the region myself to meet with flood victims and listen to their concerns. Then I’ll take what I hear from my constituents back to Washington and ensure we stand by their side as we rebuild bigger and better than before.’
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor regarding the flooding in Kentucky:
“Eastern Kentucky is again facing the threat of stormy weather and flash floods this weekend.
“Emergency responders have been on the ground since the flooding began and will continue their critical role in the coming days.
“We’re making sure the federal government is stepping up as well.
“In addition to the Governor and state lawmakers, I’ve been in personal contact with the President, Secretaries Mayorkas and Becerra, and FEMA Administrator Criswell since the beginning of this emergency.
“FEMA has been on the ground since day one providing enormous help with search and rescue operations.
“Once rebuilding begins, their role will only grow.
“With the President’s Major Disaster Declaration, FEMA is now authorized to send financial assistance directly to flood victims. These funds will be critical to those who lost their homes in the flooding, especially since many lack flood insurance.
“To reach remote residents, FEMA representatives are going door-to-door and speaking directly to survivors in shelters to make sure everyone who qualifies for help receives it. The agency has already approved hundreds of thousands of dollars for affected Kentuckians.
“FEMA is also helping pull together a wide swath of federal agencies to supplement the Kentucky National Guard and state agencies.
“The Forest Service is already on the ground clearing debris from roadways. The Small Business Administration is issuing loans to help employers rebuild. The Army Corps of Engineers is ensuring all dams in the region remain operational.
“This federal response has been extraordinary.
“I’ve been proud to stand with the Governor and Kentucky’s entire congressional delegation to help expand the number of counties receiving assistance and streamline the aid.
“Kentuckians can visit my official website to see the full list of services offered by our federal disaster response agencies.
“The federal government has done an excellent job so far, but the crisis is far from over.
“Soon I’ll visit the region myself to meet with flood victims and listen to their concerns. Then I’ll take what I hear from my constituents back to Washington and ensure we stand by their side as we rebuild bigger and better than before.”
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Related Issues: Law Enforcement, Kentucky, America's Military
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