‘Our hearts are broken.’ McConnell, Paul back Beshear’s request for federal storm help.
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Tornadoes: Latest updates from ravaged Kentucky
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Kentucky’s federal delegation successfully backed Gov. Andy Beshear’s request for federal assistance Saturday to help communities devastated by tornadoes and flooding.
President Biden announced Saturday afternoon that an emergency exists in Kentucky and that federal assistance is on the way.
After Beshear earlier in the day had requested the federal declaration, U.S. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Louisville said that Kentucky’s entire federal delegation —he, U.S. Sen. Rand Paul and U.S. Reps. Hal Rogers, John Yarmuth, Brett Guthrie, Andy Barr, Thomas Massie and James Comer — had sent a letter to Biden in support of the Democratic governor’s request.
All members of Kentucky’s federal delegation are Republicans except Democrat Yarmuth.
Before the federal declaration was issued, The White House said in a release that President Biden has directed the Federal Emergency Management Agency and other federal agencies to provide quick assistance to impacted communities.
Reaction from Kentucky politicians about the deadly tornadoes in the state was swift.
“I am praying for the lives lost and communities impacted by the tornado devastation throughout the Commonwealth,” McConnell said. “Thank you to the first responders and the National Guard for their brave efforts amid this tragedy.”
In his own letter to the president, Paul said, “Last night and early this morning devastating storms swept across multiple states, including Kentucky. A single tornado from that system may have been on the ground for over 200 miles, and a large swath of the Commonwealth has been severely hit.
“As the sun comes up this morning we will begin to understand the true scope of the devastation, but we already know of loss of life and severe property damage.
“The governor of the Commonwealth has requested federal assistance this morning, and certainly further requests will be coming as the situation is assessed. I fully support those requests and ask that you move expeditiously to approve the appropriate resources for our state.”
On a personal level, Paul said, “Our hearts are broken for all those suffering from last night’s horrific storms. As daylight comes and we begin to fully understand the severity of the devastation, we mourn and we pray.”
Paul added, “I and my team will do all we can to assist our local and state officials as they lead the immediate response, and we will aggressively help families, businesses, and officials access the federal recovery resources.”
U.S. Rep. Comer of Tompkinsville, who represents much of Western Kentucky, said, “Please be in prayer for all of the families who lost loved ones in the terrible tornadoes that swept through Western Kentucky last night.
“Also continue praying for the outstanding first responders who have been on the ground all night rescuing people from devastating damage in Mayfield.”
Mayfield, the county seat of Graves, was hit particularly hard by the storm. Multiple workers at a candle factory on the edge of the town were killed.
U.S. Rep. Guthrie of Bowling Green said on social media, “I’m saddened and shocked by the reports of horrific tornadoes that went through Kentucky and surrounding states last night.
“My prayers go out to those who lost loved ones. I am also praying for those who were injured and saw their homes or businesses damaged or destroyed.”
Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron tweeted that he and his wife, Makenze, “are praying for every Kentuckian affected.”
Kentucky Auditor Mike Harmon said on his Twitter page, “As news and pictures of the devastation come out of Mayfield and other areas, I ask that all Kentuckians join me in praying for all those impacted by these storms. It is truly heartbreaking to see the damage.”
This story was originally published December 11, 2021 at 10:35 AM.
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